MRI grade | IVD structure | Distinction of nucleus and anulus | IVD signal intensity | IVD Width | Grade of IVD degeneration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Homogeneous, bright white. Vertical band is accepted in sagittal plane if transverse plane is homogeneous and bright white. | Clear | Hyperintense or isointense to cerebrospinal fluid | Normal | Normal / healthy IVD |
2 | Inhomogeneous with or without vertical bands. Maximum one-third of the nucleus pulposus is hypointense. | Clear | Hyperintense or isointense to cerebrospinal fluid | Normal | Mild degeneration |
3 | Inhomogeneous, grey. Minimal black spot is accepted if it is only in one image plane. | Unclear, but visible at least in one image plane | Intermediate: isointense or hypointense to cerebrospinal fluid | Normal to slightly decreased | Moderate degeneration |
4 | Inhomogeneous, grey to black. | Lost | Intermediate or hypointense to cerebrospinal fluid | Normal to moderately decreased | Severe degeneration |
5 | Inhomogeneous, black. | Lost | Hypointense to cerebrospinal fluid | Collapsed IVD space | Severe degeneration and IVD herniation |