MRI evaluation of Modic changes in endplates of cervical vertebral body

Objective To investigate the incidence of Modic changes in endplates of cervical vertebral body,and to approach its clinical significance.Methods T1 weighted and T2 weighted sagittal MRI scans of 136 patients suffered from cervical spondylotic myelopathy and underwent anterior operation were reviewed retrospectively.Data of incidence rate,precise vertebral levels and specific type of Modic changes in cervical spine were recorded.Results Modic changes were observed in 23 patients(16.9%),17(17.7%)in male and 6(15%)in female.The most common cervical spinal level that Modic changes occurred was C5,6.The incidence rate of typeⅠModic change was 4.4%,typeⅡwas 7.4% and type Ⅲ was 5.1%.Conclusion Modic changes are observed in endplates of cervical vertebral body in the cervical syndrome patients,and the C5,6 level is the most commonly involved.The most common Modic changes were type II.