Are Modic changes related to outcomes in lumbar disc herniation patients treated with imaging-guided lumbar nerve root blocks?

The effect of a transforaminal epidural injection in patients with lumbar disc herniation is not correlated with the presence of type II modic changes

Introduction

Transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TEI) have been suggested to alleviate symptoms in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) through its anti-inflammatory effect. However, treatment effect varies among patients and reliable predictors are lacking. Modic changes (MC) are also associated with inflammatory processes and, therefore, we hypothesize that MC may be correlated with outcome after TEI.

Research question

To investigate the correlation between the presence of MC at the level of LDH and the effect of TEI.

Material and methods

Patients with unilateral lumbar radiculopathy secondary to LDH undergoing TEI were included. MC was graded by two independent assessors. Outcome measures included leg pain, back pain, disability and patient-received recovery at baseline, 30 min, 2 weeks and 6 weeks after treatment. Multivariate analysis was performed for all outcomes and for dichotomized scores using a cutoff of ≥30% improvement. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 88 patients were included of whom 52.3% demonstrated MC. The vast majority was classified as type II (94%). The presence of MC was not correlated with any outcome measure when correcting for age, gender, duration of symptoms and the use of analgesics, nor for dichotomized scores.

Discussion and conclusion

The findings indicate that type II MC is not associated with outcome within six weeks after TEI. Therefore, type II MC cannot be used as a predictor for TEI outcome. Future studies should include longer follow-up and investigate the correlation between the type of MC and the effect of TEI.

Prediction of transforaminal epidural injection success in sciatica (POTEISS): a protocol for the development of a multivariable prediction model for outcome after transforaminal epidural steroid injection in patients with lumbar radicular pain due to disc herniation or stenosis

BACKGROUND

Transforaminal epidural injections (TEI) can alleviate symptoms and help to maintain physical functioning and quality of life in patients with lumbar radicular pain. We aim to develop a prediction model for patient outcome after TEI in patients suffering from unilateral lumbar radicular pain due to lumbar disc herniation (LDH) or single-level spinal stenosis (LSS). The secondary aim is to estimate short-term patient outcome differences between LDH and LSS patients, the association between psychological variables and patient outcome, the rate of additional injections, surgery and complications, and to explore the short-term cost-effectiveness of TEI.

METHODS

This study is designed as a multi-centre, observational, prospective cohort study in two large regional hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients diagnosed with unilateral lumbar radicular pain secondary to LDH or LSS and congruent with MRI findings, who are referred for TEI along usual care pathways, are eligible for study participation. A total of 388 patients with LDH or LSS will be included. A pre-defined set of demographic, clinical and radiological variables will be used as the predictors in the model. The primary outcome measure is the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for leg pain. Secondary outcome measures include back pain, physical functioning, perceived recovery, pain coping strategies, anxiety and depression and use of analgesics and physical therapy. Patients will be evaluated at baseline, 2 weeks and 6 weeks after treatment. NRS leg pain and Likert perceived recovery data will be used as the dependent variables in a generalized linear mixed model for prediction of TEI outcome, with internal validation of performance (explained variation) by bootstrap resampling. Cost-effectiveness for a period of 6 weeks prior to and after treatment will be performed with decision-analytic modelling.

DISCUSSION

Patients with severe lumbar radicular pain often request additional treatment when conservative care is insufficient. TEI can offer relief of symptoms. Currently, it is not possible to predict responsiveness to this treatment for individual patients. This study is designed to explore predictors that can differentiate between patients that will and will not have a positive outcome after TEI. This information may support treatment strategies for this patient group.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov database under registry number NCT04540068 on September 1, 2020.

Modic changes as seen on MRI are associated with nonspecific chronic lower back pain and disability

BACKGROUND

Estimating the contribution of endplate oedema known as Modic changes to lower back pain (LBP) has been the subject of multiple observational studies and reviews, some of which conclude that the evidence for an association of Modic change with LBP is uncertain while others demonstrate a clear link. The clinical trials demonstrating the benefit of basivertebral nerve ablation, a therapeutic intervention, in a tightly defined homogenous patient group with chronic LBP and Modic changes type 1 or type 2, provides further evidence for the contribution of Modic changes to LBP and shows that in these subjects, nerve ablation substantially reduces pain and disability. These interventional studies provide direct evidence that Modic changes can be associated with lower back pain and disability. This review set out to explore why the literature to date has been conflicting.

METHODS

A narrative, forensic, non-systematic literature review of selected articles to investigate why the published literature investigating the association between Modic imaging changes and chronic low back pain is inconsistent.

RESULTS

This review found that previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses included both heterogeneous study designs and diverse patient syndromes resulting in an inconsistent association between Modic changes and nonspecific chronic lower back pain. Re-analysis of literature data focussing on more homogenous patient populations provides clearer evidence that Modic changes are associated with nonspecific chronic lower back pain and that type 1 Modic changes are more painful than type 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies using tightly defined homogenous patient groups may provide the best test for association between MRI-findings and pain and disability. Clinical benefit of basivertebral nerve ablation observed in randomised controlled trials further supports the association between type 1 and type 2 Modic changes with pain and disability.

Some magnetic resonance imaging findings may predict future low back pain and disability: a systematic review

QUESTIONS

Do magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings predict future low back pain (LBP), associated disability and global recovery in people with current LBP? Do MRI findings predict these outcomes in people with no current LBP? Do MRI findings predict these outcomes in a mixed sample of people with and without current LBP?

DESIGN

This review is an update of a previous systematic review investigating the relationship between lumbar spine MRI findings and future LBP.

PARTICIPANTS

People with or without LBP with lumbar MRI scans.

OUTCOME MEASURES

MRI findings, pain and disability.

RESULTS

Of the included studies, 28 reported on participants with current LBP, eight reported on participants with no LBP and four reported on a mixed sample. Most results were based on single studies and did not demonstrate clear relationships between MRI findings and future LBP. In populations with current LBP, pooling demonstrated that the presence of Modic type 1 changes alone or Modic type 1 and 2 changes were associated with slightly worse pain or disability outcomes in the short term, and the presence of disc degeneration was associated with worse pain and disability outcomes in the long term. In populations with current LBP, pooling demonstrated no evidence of an association between the presence of nerve root compression and disability outcomes in the short term, and no evidence of an association between the presence of disc height reduction, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, high-intensity zone and clinical outcomes in the long term. In populations with no LBP, pooling demonstrated that the presence of disc degeneration may increase the likelihood of experiencing pain in the long term. In mixed populations, no pooling was possible; however, single studies demonstrated that Modic type 1, 2 or 3 changes and disc herniation were each associated with worse pain in the long term.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that some MRI findings may have weak associations with future LBP; however, larger high-quality studies are needed to resolve uncertainty.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42021252919.

Evaluating Nonoperative Treatment for Low Back Pain in the Presence of Modic Changes: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to summarize and assess the current literature evaluating nonoperative treatments for patients with Modic changes (MCs) and low back pain (LBP).

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The PubMed database was searched from its inception until May 1, 2022 for studies evaluating MC and clinical outcomes. Key findings, treatment details, and patient information were extracted from included studies. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies were included in this review, encompassing a total of 2452 patients, 1713 of whom displayed baseline MC. Seventy-eight percent of studies were high quality. Of included studies, 2 evaluated antibiotics, 5 evaluated steroid injections, 6 evaluated conservative therapies, and 5 evaluated other treatment modalities. Antibiotics and bisphosphonates improved treatment in patients with MC. Patients with MC without disc herniation benefited from conservative therapy, while those with Type I Modic changes and disc herniation experienced poorer improvement. Significant variability exists in reported outcomes following steroid injections.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonoperative therapy may provide patients with MC with significant benefits. Patients may benefit from therapies not traditionally utilized for LBP such as antibiotics or bisphosphonates, but conservative therapy is not recommended for patients with concomitant MC and disc herniation. The large variation in follow-up times and outcome measures contributes to significant heterogeneity in studies and inability to predict long-term patient outcomes. More long-term studies are needed to assess nonoperative treatments for LBP in patients with MC.

Modic changes are associated with activation of intense inflammatory and host defense response pathways - molecular insights from proteomic analysis of human intervertebral discs

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Patients with modic changes (MC) form a distinct clinical subset with reports of higher intensity of pain, poor clinical and surgical outcomes and higher incidence of recurrence. MC also is an independent risk factor for increased post-operative surgical site infection.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the biological changes at molecular level, in discs with MCs. We also aim to identify biological biomarkers and potential targets for molecular therapy.

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental analysis MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nucleus pulposus (NP) from 24 patients undergoing microdiscectomy for disc herniation [14 discs with MC and 10 without modic changes (NMC)] were procured. The overall expression of proteins, biological processes, protein-protein and metabolite interactions were analysed and compared. Host defense response proteins (HDRPs) and immunological pathways activated in patients with MC were documented and analysed.

RESULTS

Label-free proteomic approach with stringent filters revealed a total of 208 proteins in MC and 193 in NMC groups. 45 proteins were specific to MC; 30 to NMC and 163 common to both. Downregulated proteins in MC belonged to components of extracellular matrix such as collagens (COL- 6A1, 6A2, 6A3, 11A1, 12A1, and 20A1), and proteoglycans (versican (VCAN), and biglycan (BGN)). Inflammatory molecules [plasminogen (PLG), angiogenin (ANG), fibroblast growth factor-binding protein 2 (FGFBP2), tetranectin (CLEC3B), cartilage acidic protein 1(CRTAC1), kininogen (KNG-1), chitinase-3-like protein 2 (CHI3L2), and ferritin (FTL) were expressed only in the MC group. The significantly altered pathways in MC included Fc Fragment of IgG Receptor IIIa (FCGR3A)-mediated phagocytosis, regulation of Toll-like receptors (TLR) by endogenous ligand, neutrophil and platelet degranulation. 50 HDRPs were identified in the study, 14 of which were specific to MC and included acute phase reactants, antimicrobial peptides, complement cascade proteins, inflammatory molecule and stress response proteins. Metabolite-protein interaction analysis revealed a significant interaction between 19 proteins, specifically involving ubiquitin mediating proteasome degradative pathway and an association with the metabolite-glutamic acid in the MC group. Accumulation of glutamic acid in MC discs was confirmed by quantitative amino acid analysis using High-performance liquid chromatography.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms that MC represents an intense inflammatory status and activation of host defense response and immunological pathways. Downstream effects leading to ubiquitin mediated proteasomal degradation of ECM proteins and the resulting metabolites such as glutamic acid could cause excessive pain and needs further investigation.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

We have documented the expression of inflammatory molecules, immune mechanisms and host defense response proteins which throw molecular insights into the pathological mechanisms of MC. Further, ubiquitin mediated proteasomal degradation and accumulation of glutamate in discs with MC might serve as targets for molecular therapy.

Spinal nerve signal intensity on Dixon T2-weighted water-only sequence: an important outcome predictor after lumbar transforaminal epidural injection

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the role of Dixon T2-weighted water-fat separation technique in predicting the outcome of lumbar transforaminal epidural injections (TFESIs).

METHODS

Patients who underwent TFESI of a single spinal nerve within 3 months after magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam between August 2018 and April 2020 were identified. The patients were classified into positive or negative outcome groups based on the response to the TFESI procedure. Two musculoskeletal radiologists measured the signal intensity of the injected side spinal nerves, contralateral side spinal nerves, and subcutaneous fat on axial Dixon T2-weighted water-only images, and the diameter of spinal nerve on axial Dixon T2-weighted in-phase images of the pre-procedural MRI. The measured values of the injected side spinal nerves were compared between the two groups and with the contralateral side spinal nerve.

RESULTS

A total of 94 patients were included, 76 in the positive outcome group and 18 in the negative outcome group. The mean signal intensity and the nerve-to-fat signal ratio of the injected side spinal nerve were significantly higher in the positive outcome group than in the negative outcome group (793.78 vs. 679.19, p = 0.016; 4.21 vs. 3.28, p = 0.003). In the positive outcome group, the diameter of the spinal nerve was significantly higher on the injected side than on the contralateral side (6.91 mm vs. 6.37 mm, p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

The mean signal intensity and the nerve-to-fat signal ratio of the spinal nerve on axial Dixon T2-weighted water-only images can help predict patient response to the TFESI.

KEY POINTS

• Applying the Dixon technique to lumbar spine MRI can help predict patient response to the TFESI procedure. • An increased nerve-to-fat signal ratio and mean spinal nerve signal intensity on axial Dixon T2-weighted water-only images predicted favorable TFESI outcomes.

Exploratory study for clinical signs of MODIC changes in patients with low-back pain in the Netherlands armed forces

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is being used extensively in the search for pathoanatomical factors contributing to low back pain (LBP) such as Modic changes (MC). However, it remains unclear whether clinical findings can identify patients with MC. The purpose of this explorative study was to assess the predictive value of six clinical tests and three questionnaires commonly used with patients with low-back pain (LBP) on the presence of Modic changes (MC).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed using data from Dutch military personnel in the period between April 2013 and July 2016. Questionnaires included the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. The clinical examination included (i) range of motion, (ii) presence of pain during flexion and extension, (iii) Prone Instability Test, and (iv) straight leg raise. Backward stepwise regression was used to estimate predictive value for the presence of MC and the type of MC. The exploration of clinical tests was performed by univariable logistic regression models.

Results

Two hundred eighty-six patients were allocated for the study, and 112 cases with medical records and MRI scans were available; 60 cases with MC and 52 without MC. Age was significantly higher in the MC group. The univariate regression analysis showed a significantly increased odds ratio for pain during flexion movement (2.57 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–6.08]) in the group with MC. Multivariable logistic regression of all clinical symptoms and signs showed no significant association for any of the variables. The diagnostic value of the clinical tests expressed by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, and negative predictive values showed, for all the combinations, a low area under the curve (AUC) score, ranging from 0.41 to 0.53. Single-test sensitivity was the highest for pain in flexion: 60% (95% CI: 48.3–70.4).

Conclusion

No model to predict the presence of MC, based on clinical tests, could be demonstrated. It is therefore not likely that LBP patients with MC are very different from other LBP patients and that they form a specific subgroup. However, the study only explored a limited number of clinical findings and it is possible that larger samples allowing for more variables would conclude differently.

Effect of Preoperative Modic Change in the Outcome of Patients with Low Back Pain Following Posterior Spinal Fusion or Laminectomy

Background

Modic changes (MC), visible on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are associated with chronic low back pain (LBP). It is reported that different MC types could affect the surgical outcome in patients with LBP.

Objective

In this study, we evaluated the effect of MC Type I and II on patients with LBP and degenerative disc disease following posterior spinal fusion (PSF) or laminectomy.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated the outcome of 162 patients with LBP and MC Type I and II who underwent laminectomy (n = 72) or PSF (n = 90). Preoperative MRI was used to define MC types. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain intensity before and 3 months after surgery.

Results

Patients had MC Type I in 46.3% and Type II in 53.7%. Pain VAS significantly decreased following surgery (7.93 ± 1.27-5.98 ± 1.57, P < 0.001). There was no difference between MC Type I and II in pain VAS before (P = 0.51) and after treatment (P = 0.51). Among MC Type I, PSF compared to laminectomy had significantly more improvement in pain VAS (P = 0.01), but the changes in modic Type II were similar between groups (P = 0.89).

Conclusion

Surgical treatment in patients with LBP with MC accompanies with significant improvement in pain. PSF seems better treatment in patients with MC Type I.

Comparison of Treatment Outcomes in Nonspecific Low-Back Pain Patients With and Without Modic Changes Who Receive Chiropractic Treatment

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine if there was a difference in outcomes in patients with nonspecific low back pain, both with and without Modic changes (MCs), who received chiropractic care.

METHODS

This prospective outcomes study included 112 patients with low back pain without disc herniation on magnetic resonance imaging. All patients were treated with spinal manipulative therapy. At baseline, the numerical rating scale (NRS) and Bournemouth Questionnaire (BQ) for disability were collected. The NRS, BQ, and Patient's Global Impression of Change (primary outcome) were collected at the follow-up time points of 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months to assess overall improvement. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were analyzed for the presence of MCs and, if present, classified as Modic I or II. The χ² test was used to compare the proportion of patients reporting clinically relevant "improvement" between patients with and without MCs and between Modic I and Modic II patients. The unpaired Student t test was used to compare NRS and BQ at baseline and change scores at all follow-up time points.

RESULTS

For the primary outcome measure, the proportion of patients reporting relevant "improvement" (Patient's Global Impression of Change), and for the secondary outcome measures (NRS and BQ change scores), there were no significant differences between Modic positive and Modic negative patients or between Modic I and Modic II patients.

CONCLUSION

Neither the presence nor absence of MCs nor the Modic change category were related to treatment outcomes for patients with low back pain without disc herniation who received chiropractic care.

Modic changes-Their associations with low back pain and activity limitation: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous systematic reviews have reported positive associations between Modic changes (MCs) and low back pain (LBP), but due to their narrow scope and new primary studies, there is a need for a comprehensive systematic review. Our objectives were to investigate if MCs are associated with non-specific LBP and/or activity limitation and if such associations are modified by other factors.

METHODS

A protocol for this review was registered at PROSPERO prior to commencing the work (PROSPERO record: CRD42015017350). The MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant studies from first record to June 15th 2016. Prospective or retrospective cross-sectional cohort studies and case-control studies including people of all ages from general, working and clinical study populations were eligible for inclusion. Risk of bias assessment and data extraction for associations and potential modifiers were completed independently by pairs of reviewers. Meta-analysis was performed for homogeneous studies and presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI.

RESULTS

In all, 5210 citations were identified and 31 studies were included. One study had low risk of bias. Fifteen studies (48%) reported statistically significant positive associations between MCs and LBP and one study found a statistically significant negative association. Meta-analysis performed for studies using concordant pain with provocative discography as the clinical outcome resulted in an OR of 4.01 (1.52-10.61). One of seven studies reported a statistically significant positive association between MCs and activity limitation. Lumbar disc level and disc degeneration were found to modify the association between MCs and LBP.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this comprehensive systematic review indicate that the associations between MCs and LBP-related outcomes are inconsistent. The high risk of bias and the heterogeneity in terms of study samples, clinical outcomes and prevalence estimates of MCs and LBP may explain these findings. It is likely that new studies with low risk of bias will affect the direction and strength of these associations.

Clinical Efficacy and Its Prognostic Factor of Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Annuloplasty and Nucleoplasty for the Treatment of Patients with Discogenic Low Back Pain

OBJECTIVE

The choice of appropriate treatment of discogenic low back pain (DLBP) frequently is difficult. This study sought to identify the clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar annuloplasty and nucleoplasty (PELAN) to treat patients with DLBP and to investigate prognostic clinical or radiologic variables.

METHODS

Eighty-nine patients with a diagnosis of DLBP who underwent PELAN were included. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for back pain, Oswestry Disability Index % (ODI%), and modified Macnab criteria were measured at short-term (3-4 weeks) and long-term follow-up period (at least 12 months) to investigate clinical efficacy of PELAN. The subjects were defined as successful group in case of 50% or more reduction of NRS, 40% or more reduction of ODI%, and good or excellent response of Macnab criteria. Clinical and radiologic variables were compared between successful and unsuccessful outcomes group to determine prognostic variables.

RESULTS

NRS and ODI% were significantly reduced at short- and long-term follow-up after PELAN. Sixty-two (69.7%) and 68 (76.4%) obtained successful NRS reduction and 59 (66.3%) and 68 (76.4%) accomplished successful ODI% reduction at short-term and long-term follow-up, respectively. Successful Mcnab response was found in 61% at short term and 65.2% at long term. Pain during waist flexion among clinical variables was significantly related to good clinical outcomes and Modic change among radiologic variables was significantly related to poor clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

PELAN provided favorable outcomes in patients with DLBP who were refractory to conservative treatments. Flexion pain was good prognostic, and Modic change was a poor prognostic variable.

Prevalence of Modic changes in the lumbar vertebrae and their associations with workload, smoking and weight in northern China

The distribution of Modic changes (MCs) in the lumbar endplates and the evaluation of the relationships between MCs and risk factors are vital for research into MCs. The T1-weighted and T2-weighted sagittal MRI scans of 210 patients who exhibited lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' weights, genders, smoking statuses, physical activity levels and specific types of MC were recorded. The associations between MCs and risk factors, such as physical work, smoking and body mass index, were also analysed. MCs were observed in 47 patients (22.4%), including 16 males and 31 females. Among all patients, the L5/S1 lumbar level was most likely to suffer MCs. The MCs were predominantly type II. MCs occurred more often in obese patients than in normal and overweight patients (P < 0.05). Patients whose jobs required heavy labour were more likely to develop MCs (P < 0.05). Heavy work and obesity were related to type III MCs more strongly than the other types (P > 0.05). Smoking seemed not to be correlated with the incidence of MCs (P > 0.05). Gender, obesity and heavy work were strongly associated with MCs. Biomechanical factors may play a critical role in the development of MCs.

The usefulness of radiological grading scales to predict pain intensity, functional impairment, and health-related quality of life after surgery for lumbar degenerative disc disease

PURPOSE

The goal of this study is to determine the relationship of radiological grading scales of lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) with postoperative pain intensity, functional impairment, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

METHODS

Response to surgical treatment at 6 weeks (W6) on the visual analogue scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, Oswestry-Disability (ODI) and Roland-Morris Disability Index (RMDI), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, EuroQol (EQ) 5D, and Short-Form Health-Survey (SF-12) physical component summary (PCS) was compared between patients with different Modic (MOD) and Pfirrmann (PFI) grades. Longitudinal outcomes at day 3 (D3), W6, 6 months (M6), and 1 year (Y1) were compared.

RESULTS

The study included 338 patients (mean age, 58.6 years), of which n = 202 (59.8%) had MOD 1-3 and n = 217 (64.2%) PFI 4-5 changes. Patients with MOD 1-3 were as likely as patients without MOD changes to be treatment-responders at W6 in terms of VAS leg pain, ODI, RMDI, TUG, EQ5D, and SF-12 PCS. Similarly, patients with PFI 4-5 were as likely as patients with PFI 1-3 changes to be treatment-responders at W6. Longitudinal outcomes were similar at D3, W6, M6, and Y1 between patients with and without MOD changes. Patients with PFI 4-5 fared similar to those with PFI 1-3 except for inferior HRQoL on the SF-12 PCS metric at Y1.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no distinct relationship between commonly used radiological grading scales of lumbar DDD with clinical outcome. Therefore, no prognosis should be made on the grounds of preoperative PFI and MOD classifications for patients undergoing spine surgery for lumbar DDD.

An Animal Model of Modic Changes by Embedding Autogenous Nucleus Pulposus inside Subchondral Bone of Lumbar Vertebrae

The establishment of Modic changes (MCs) in animal model was vital for research of MCs. Fifty-four rabbits were divided into a sham group, a muscle embedment group (ME group) and nucleus pulposus (NP) embedment group (NPE group). In the NPE group, the discs were exposed by the lumbar anterolateral surgical approach. A needle was used to puncture the L5 vertebral body close to the endplate. NP was extracted by a syringe from L1/2 intervertebral discs and then injected into the drilled hole of subchondral bone. The muscle embedment group and sham group had the same procedure and drill method as the NP embedment group. Some pieces of muscle were put into the hole in the ME group, but nothing was put into the hole in the sham group. After the operation, MRI scan and molecular biology tests were applied. The signal changes were found in the NPE group; while the sham group and the ME group showed no significant signal change. Histological observation confirmed that there was abnormal tissue proliferation in imbed site. High expression of IL-4, IL-17 and IFN-γ were detected in the NPE group. The embedment of NP into subchondral bone can create an animal model of MCs.

Comparison of Outcomes in MRI Confirmed Lumbar Disc Herniation Patients With and Without Modic Changes Treated With High Velocity, Low Amplitude Spinal Manipulation

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in outcomes between Modic positive and negative lumbar disc herniation (LDH) patients treated with spinal manipulative therapy (SMT).

METHODS

This prospective outcomes study includes 72 MRI confirmed symptomatic LDH patients treated with SMT. Numerical rating scale (NRS) pain and Oswestry disability data were collected at baseline. NRS, patient global impression of change to assess overall improvement, and Oswestry data were collected at 2 weeks, 1, 3, 6 months and 1 year. MRI scans were analyzed for Modic change present/absent and classified as Modic I or II when present. Chi-squared test compared the proportion of patients reporting relevant 'improvement' between patients with and without Modic changes and those with Modic I vs. II. NRS and Oswestry scores were compared at baseline and change scores at all follow-up time points using the unpaired Student t test.

RESULTS

76.5% of Modic positive patients reported 'improvement' compared to 53.3% of Modic negative patients (P = .09) at 2 weeks. Modic positive patients had larger decreases in leg pain (P = .02) and disability scores (P = .012) at 2 weeks. Modic positive patients had larger reductions in disability levels at 3 (P = .049) and 6 months (P = .001). A significant difference (P = .001) between patients with Modic I vs. Modic II was found at 1 year, where Modic II patients did significantly better.

CONCLUSION

Modic positive patients reported higher levels of clinically relevant improvement 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months compared to Modic negative patients. However, at 1 year Modic I patients were significantly less likely to report 'improvement', suggesting they may be prone to relapse.

Are the presence of MODIC changes on MRI scans related to "improvement" in low back pain patients treated with lumbar facet joint injections?

BACKGROUND

Modic changes (MC) have been linked with low back pain (LBP) and worse outcomes from some treatments. No studies have investigated the impact that MCs may have on patient outcomes from lumbar facet injections. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether the presence of Modic changes is related to 'improvement' in patients undergoing imaging-guided lumbar facet injection therapy.

METHODS

Outcomes from 226 patients with MRI scans within 3 months of their imaging-guided lumbar facet injections were investigated to determine whether MCs are related to 'improvement' post injection. At 1 day, 1 week and 1 month post injection the Patients Global Impression of Change scale answers were collected by postal questionnaire. This was the primary outcome measure. The numerical rating scale for pain data was collected prior to treatment and at the same post injection time points. The MRI scans were independently evaluated by two examiners for the presence/absence of Modic changes and the type of Modic change if present. Kappa statistics were used for reliability of diagnosis analysis. Chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis tested MCs with 'improvement'.

RESULTS

Intra- and inter-examiner reliability for the diagnosis of MCs was Kappa = 0.77 and 0.74. Intra- and inter-examiner reliability for categorizing MCs was K = 0.77 and K = 0.78. At 1 month post injection 45.2 % of patients without MCs reported clinically relevant 'improvement' compared to 34.2 % of patients with MC I and 32.1 % of patients with MC II. However, this did not reach statistical significance. Logistic regression found that Modic changes were not predictive of 'improvement'.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a tendency for patients without MCs to have better outcomes but this did not reach statistical significance. The reliability of diagnosing MCs was substantial.