Correlative factors for MRI signal changes of lumbar endplate，a correlation study between sex，weight，quantity of work，smoking and Modic changes

English Keywords:Lumbar vertebra Modic changes  Ｉntervertebral disc  Vertebral endplate  MRI

English Abstract:

  【Abstract】 Objective：To investigate the distribution of patient with Modic changes in lumbar endplate and evaluate the relationship between Modic changes and several influence factors.Method：The T1-weight and T-2weight sagittal MRI scans of 210 patients who sustained sciatica were reviewed retrospectively.The patient′s weight，gender，status of smoking，physical activity and specific type of Modic changes were recorded，and the association between Modic changes and those influence factors was analyzed.Result：Modic changes were observed in 47 patients（22.4%），including 16　males and　31　females.The most frequent lumbar spinal levels suffering Modic changes was L5/S1.Among all the patients，there were 16 type Ⅰ；25 type Ⅱ；and 6　type Ⅲ.Modic changes occurred more often in　obese　patients than in normal and overweight patients（P<0.05）.Patients whose job requires more labour were more apt to develop Modic change（P<0.05）．Labour and weight were related to type III Modic change（P>0.05）rather than other types （P>0.05）.Smoking seems not correlated to the incidence of Modic changes（P>0.05）.Conclusion：The sex，body weight and labour are associated with Modic change.Biomechanical factors may play a critical role in the incidence of Modic changes．