Relationship of Modic Changes, Disk Herniation Morphology, and Axial Location to Outcomes in Symptomatic Cervical Disk Herniation Patients Treated With High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude Spinal Manipulation: A Prospective Study

A Strong Association Between Modic Changes Type 2 and Endplate Defects at Nonfused Segments After Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion

BACKGROUND

To determine the association between Modic changes (MCs) with other magnetic resonance imaging parameters and clinical symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of data on patients with cervical degenerative disc disease who underwent single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Preoperative demographic data (age, sex, surgical data) were collected, cervical magnetic resonance imaging parameters (disc degeneration grade, MCs, and endplate defects, each determined at each cervical level), and clinical data (numerical pain rating scale [NPRS] neck and arm, the Neck Disability Index) were compared to preoperative data.

RESULTS

The study included 121 patients at Visit 1 and 83 patients at Visit 2. The median follow-up duration was 26.5 [18.9; 33.1] months. Patients with MC had more intense NPRS-based neck pain before surgery compared to patients without MC (P = 0.001). There were significant changes in MC rate at the C5-C6 levels due to a significant number of new MC type 1 and MC type 2 (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). MC type 2 was associated with disc degeneration, endplate defects, patients' age, and clinical scales (Neck Disability Index, NPRS) (P < 0.05). The endplate defects score threshold for predicting MC type 2 at the C3-C7 cervical levels was 5.

CONCLUSIONS

The factor predicting MC type 2 at the C3-C7 cervical levels is submaximal damage to the endplate. The MC rate is increased due to MC type 1 and MC type 2. MC types at the cervical levels may not represent consecutive stages of the same process.

Prevalence, risk factors, natural history, and prognostic significance of Modic changes in the cervical spine: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of 12,754 participants

OBJECTIVE

Modic changes (MCs) in the cervical spine are common, but remain an under-researched phenomenon, particularly regarding their prevalence, natural history, risk factors, and implications for surgical outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis endeavors to elucidate the multifactorial dimensions and clinical significance of cervical MCs.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive systematic search was performed using Medline (via PubMed), EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from their dates of inceptions to September 4, 2023. All identified articles were meticulously screened based on their relevance to our investigative criteria. Bias was assessed using quality assessments tools, including Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Diverse datasets encompassing MCs prevalence, demographic influences, risk factors, cervical sagittal parameters, and surgical outcomes were extracted. Meta-analysis using both random and common effects model was used to synthesis the metadata.

RESULTS

From a total of 867 studies, 38 met inclusion criteria and underwent full-text assessment. The overall prevalence of cervical MCs was 26.0% (95% CI: 19.0%, 34.0%), with a predominance of type 2 MCs (15% ; 95% CI: 0.10%, 0.23%). There was no significant difference between MCs and non-MCs in terms of neck pain (OR:3.09; 95% CI: 0.81, 11.88) and radicular pain (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 0.64, 3.25). The results indicated a significantly higher mean age in the MC group (MD: 1.69 years; 95% CI: 0.29 years, 3.08 years). Additionally, smokers had 1.21 times the odds (95% CI: 1.01, 1.45) of a higher risk of developing MCs compared to non-smokers. While most cervical sagittal parameters remained unaffected, the presence of MCs indicated no substantial variation in pain intensity. However, a significant finding was the lower Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores observed in MC patients at the 3-month (MD: -0.34, 95% CI: -0.62, -0.07) and 6-month (MD: -0.40, 95% CI: -0.80, 0.00) postoperative periods, indicating a prolonged recovery phase.

CONCLUSION

This study found a predominant of type 2 MCs in the cervical spine. However, there was no significant mean difference between MCs and non-MC groups regarding neck pain and radicular pain. The results underscore the necessity for expansive, longitudinal research to elucidate the complexity of cervical MCs, particularly in surgical and postoperative contexts.

Modic Changes of the Cervical and Lumbar Spine and Their Effect on Neck and Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review the current literature and perform a meta-analysis on patients with cervical or lumbar spine Modic changes to determine if their baseline axial back pain and disability are comparable to patients without Modic changes.

METHODS

A systematic review of the PubMed database was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the mean differences in back pain, leg pain, and disability based on the presence of cervical or lumbar spine Modic changes. A subgroup analysis of the different types of Modic changes was conducted to determine if Modic type affected back pain or disability.

RESULTS

- After review of 259 articles, 17 studies were included for meta-analysis and ten studies were included for qualitative synthesis. In the lumbar spine, 10 high-quality studies analyzed Visual Analog Scale (VAS) back pain, 10 evaluated VAS leg pain, and 8 analyzed Oswestry Disability Index. VAS back pain (mean difference (MD), -.38; 95% CI, -.61 - .16) and Oswestry disability index (MD -2.52; 95% CI, -3.93 - -1.12) were significantly lower in patients without Modic changes. Modic change subtype was not associated with differences in patient-reported outcomes. Patients with cervical spine Modic changes did not experience more severe pain than those without MC.

CONCLUSIONS

Modic changes in the lumbar spine are not associated with clinically significant axial low back pain severity or patient disability. Similar to the lumbar spine, Modic changes in the cervical spine are not associated with symptom severity, but they are associated with pain duration.

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.

Definition and classification for adverse events following spinal and peripheral joint manipulation and mobilization: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Spinal and peripheral joint manipulation and mobilization are interventions used by many healthcare providers to manage musculoskeletal conditions. Although there are many reports of adverse events (or undesirable outcomes) following such interventions, there is no common definition for an adverse event or clarity on any severity classification. This impedes advances of patient safety initiatives and practice. This scoping review mapped the evidence of adverse event definitions and classification systems following spinal and peripheral joint manipulation and mobilization for musculoskeletal conditions in adults.

METHODS

An electronic search of the following databases was performed from inception to February 2021: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, AMED, ICL, PEDro, Cochrane Library, Open Grey and Open Theses and Dissertations. Studies including adults (18 to 65 years old) with a musculoskeletal condition receiving spinal or peripheral joint manipulation or mobilization and providing an adverse event definition and/or classification were included. All study designs of peer-reviewed publications were considered. Data from included studies were charted using a standardized data extraction form and synthesised using narrative analysis.

RESULTS

From 8248 identified studies, 98 were included in the final synthesis. A direct definition for an adverse event and/or classification system was provided in 69 studies, while 29 provided an indirect definition and/or classification system. The most common descriptors to define an adverse event were causality, symptom severity, onset and duration. Twenty-three studies that provided a classification system described only the end anchors (e.g., mild/minor and/or serious) of the classification while 26 described multiple categories (e.g., moderate, severe).

CONCLUSION

A vast array of terms, definition and classification systems were identified. There is no one common definition or classification for adverse events following spinal and peripheral joint manipulation and mobilization. Findings support the urgent need for consensus on the terms, definition and classification system for adverse events related to these interventions.

Association between Modic changes, disc degeneration, and neck pain in the cervical spine: a systematic review of literature

BACKGROUND

The contribution of Modic changes (MCs) in relation to spinal pain and degenerative changes has been evaluated frequently. However, most studies focus on lumbar spine. The association between MCs, neck pain, and cervical disc degeneration is not clear.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to review current literature on the association between MCs, cervical disc degeneration, and neck pain.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic review METHODS: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science using a sensitive search string combination. Studies were selected by predefined selection criteria and risk of bias was assessed using a validated Cochrane Checklist adjusted for this purpose.

RESULTS

Fourteen articles that associated MCs with neck pain and/or cervical disc degeneration were included in the present study. Ten articles showed low risk of bias and four showed intermediate risk of bias. The prevalence of MCs in cervical spine varied from 5% to 40% and type II was predominant. Patients with MCs were reported to experience more neck pain and disability. Cervical disc degeneration was detected more frequently in patients with MCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Modic changes were found to be associated with neck pain and with disc degeneration. Therefore, the large variation in prevalence that is reported is highly dependent on the nature of the studied population.

Prevalence of MRI findings in the cervical spine in patients with persistent neck pain based on quantification of narrative MRI reports

Background

Previous studies of patients with neck pain have reported a high variability in prevalence of MRI findings of disc degeneration, disc herniation etc. This is most likely due to small and heterogenous study populations. Reasons for only including small study samples could be the high cost and time-consuming procedures of having radiologists coding the MRIs. Other methods for extracting reliable imaging data should therefore be explored.

The objectives of this study were 1) to examine inter-rater reliability among a group of chiropractic master students in extracting information about cervical MRI-findings from radiologists´ narrative reports, and 2) to describe the prevalence of MRI findings in the cervical spine among different age groups in patients above age 18 with neck pain.

Method

Adult patients with neck pain (with or without arm pain) seen in a public hospital department between 2011 and 2014 who had an MRI of the cervical spine were identified in the patient registry ‘SpineData’. MRI-findings were extracted and quantified from radiologists’ narrative reports by second-year chiropractic master students based on a set of coding rules for the process.

The inter-rater reliability was quantified with Kappa statistics and the prevalence of the MRI findings were calculated.

Results

In total, narrative MRI reports from 611 patients were included. The patients had a mean age of 52 years (SD 13; range 19–87) and 63% were women. The inter-observer agreement in coding MRI findings ranged from substantial (κ = 0.78, CI: 0.33–1.00) to almost perfect (κ = 0.98, CI: 0.95–1.00).

The most prevalent MRI findings were foraminal stenosis (77%), uncovertebral arthrosis (74%) and disc degeneration (67%) while the least prevalent findings were nerve root compromise (2%) and Modic changes type 2 (6%). Modic type 1 was mentioned in 25% of the radiologists’ reports. The prevalence of all findings increased with age, except disc herniation which was most prevalent for patients in their forties.

Conclusion

MRI-findings from radiologists’ narrative reports can reliably be extracted by chiropractic master students with a minimum of training. Degenerative findings in the cervical spine were most commonly found at levels C5/C6 and C6/C7 and increased with age.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12998-019-0233-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.