Downloads: 3
Research Paper | Medical Radiologic Sciences | Volume 15 Issue 8, August 2026 | Pages: 1513 - 1521 | India
Evaluation and Grading of Degenerative Changes of Cervical Spine Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Abstract: Background: Cervical spine degeneration is a common age-related condition involving progressive changes in intervertebral discs, vertebral endplates, facet joints, and surrounding structures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides comprehensive evaluation of these changes and their effects on neural elements. Objectives: To evaluate and grade degenerative changes of the cervical spine using MRI and to analyze their distribution across cervical levels in symptomatic patients. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Radio-Diagnosis, at a tertiary care teaching hospital over 18 months. 100 symptomatic patients presenting with neck pain, stiffness, back pain, or muscle weakness underwent cervical spine MRI on a 1.5-T scanner. Degenerative changes including disc degeneration, disc protrusion, disc space narrowing, foraminal stenosis, osteophyte formation, and Modic endplate changes were assessed. Disc degeneration was graded using the Suzuki classification, foraminal stenosis using the Kim grading system, and endplate changes using the Modic classification. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean age was 45.5±16.4 years, with male predominance (58%). Neck pain was present in all patients, while radiculopathy and myelopathy occurred in 73% and 24%, respectively. Multilevel degeneration was common, with two- and three-level involvement observed in 51% of patients. The C5-C6 level was most frequently affected (96%), followed by C4-C5 (84%) and C6-C7 (82%). Grade I disc degeneration predominated (53%), although Grade II degeneration was significantly associated with older age and male sex (p<0.05). Modic Type II changes were present in 62% of patients. Anterior osteophytes, posterior disc protrusion, disc space narrowing, and foraminal stenosis were observed in 91%, 71%, 67%, and 75% of patients, respectively. Conclusion: Cervical degenerative disc disease predominantly affects the lower cervical spine, particularly C5-C6, and increases with age. MRI provides reliable characterization and grading of degenerative changes, making it an indispensable tool for diagnosis, severity assessment, and clinical management of cervical spondylosis.
Keywords: Cervical Spine, MRI, Degenerative changes, Foraminal Stenosis, Modic Changes
How to Cite?: Dr. Gaurav Sharma, Dr. Amlendu Nagar, "Evaluation and Grading of Degenerative Changes of Cervical Spine Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)", Volume 15 Issue 8, August 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1513-1521, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26815142319, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26815142319