Selecting patients for treatments based on Modic changes: the need for accurate and standardised reporting

Journal article

Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide and an economic burden on health resources. Modic changes seen on magnetic resonance images are common amongst patients with chronic low back pain. Radiofrequency ablation of the basivertebral nerve and antibiotics for low-grade disc infection are potential treatments that both rely on the presence of Modic type 1 changes. Accurate and standardised reporting of Modic changes to select patients most likely to benefit and to ensure good antimicrobial stewardship is needed but is challenging. Examples are given of varying, incomplete and/or inaccurate Modic change findings. Including the extent of Modic change and likely pathophysiological interpretation would be helpful parameters to report.

Authors: Kümin, M; Berkowitz, Y; Chowdhury, R; Scarborough, C; Scarborough, M

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Biomedical Research Network+
• Journal: Biomedical Journal of Scientific & technical Research
• Volume: 57
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 49297-49305
• Publication date: 2024-07-09
• Acceptance date: 2024-07-03
• DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2024.57.009007
• ISSN: 2574-1241
• Language: English
• Keywords: Modic changes; MRI; spine infection