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
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