Review Article
Biomechanics of Disc Degeneration
Table 1
Table lists the classification of levels of disc degeneration. Adapted from Pfirrmann et al. [
28].
| Grade | Structure | Distinction of nucleus and annulus | Signal intensity | Height of intervertebral disc |
| I | Homogeneous; bright white | Clear | Hyperintense; isointense to cerebrospinal fluid | Normal | II | Inhomogeneous with or without horizontal bands | Clear | Hyperintense; isointense to cerebrospinal fluid | Normal | III | Inhomogeneous; gray | Unclear | Intermediate | Normal to slightly decreased | IV | Inhomogeneous; gray to black | Lost | Intermediate to hypointense | Normal to moderately decreased | V | Inhomogeneous; black | Lost | Hypointense | Collapsed disc space |
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