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Published in: European Spine Journal 1/2024

13-11-2023 | Spondylolisthesis | Original Article

Novel Modic grading scoring system and its clinical validation: a preliminary investigation

Authors: Hao Li, Liye Yu, Xianlei Gao, Suomao Yuan, Yonghao Tian, Lianlei Wang, Xinyu Liu

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Purpose

To propose a novel Modic grading scoring system and explore the relationship between the Modic grading score and disc degeneration, disc herniation, disc height, and clinical symptom scores.

Method

In total, 194 patients were included in the study. The new Modic grading scoring system included four indicators: invaded vertebral height, invaded endplate length, endplate morphology, and grade of endplate defects. The severity of Modic changes was visually quantified by numerical scores, and the kappa value was used to verify the interobserver and intraobserver reliability. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between the Modic grading score and intervertebral disc degeneration, disc herniation, disc height, and clinical symptom scores.

Results

The interobserver and intraobserver reliability showed substantial to almost perfect agreement in the new Modic grading scoring system. The Modic grading score was positively correlated with intervertebral disc degeneration (r = 0.757, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with the intervertebral disc height index (r = − 0.231, p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between the Modic grading scoring system and disc herniation (r = 0.369, p = 0.249). Additionally, there was no significant correlation between the Modic grading score and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (r = − 0.349, p = 0.25), Oswestry Disability Index score (r = 0.246, p = 0.11), or visual analogue scale score (r = 0.315, p = 0.35).

Conclusion

The new Modic grading scoring system had good interobserver and intraobserver reliability. The Modic grading score was positively correlated with intervertebral disc degeneration and negatively correlated with the intervertebral disc height.
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Metadata
Title
Novel Modic grading scoring system and its clinical validation: a preliminary investigation
Authors
Hao Li
Liye Yu
Xianlei Gao
Suomao Yuan
Yonghao Tian
Lianlei Wang
Xinyu Liu
Publication date
13-11-2023
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Spine Journal / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-023-08003-w

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