Correlation between Modic Changes and Facet Joint Osteoarthritis in the Lumbar Spine: A Retrospective MRI Study

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the facet joint osteoarthritis in patients with lumbar Modic changes (MCs) and to investigate the relationship between the Modic types and severity of the facet joint degeneration in south indian population suffering from chronic back pain. Patients And Methods: Retrospective T1 and T2 MRI images of the lumbar spine of 90 patients with MCs and 30 patients without MCs were correlated with degenerative changes in the corresponding facet joints. Results: Lumbar vertebrae without MCs were not associated with degenerative changes in the corresponding facet joints. However, MCs in the vertebrae were associated with facet joint degeneration. Conclusion: Facet joint degeneration is the cause of low backache in patients with MCs in their lumbar spine. The study suggests that the therapy for the joint degeneration may be helpful in alleviating the low backache.