What does end plate mean?
The end plate is a bilayer of cartilage and bone that separates the intervertebral disks from the adjacent vertebrae (Fig. By age 18, the epiphyseal cartilage has thinned and a subchondral bone plate has formed, thus creating the adult end plate bilayer. Simultaneously, the ring apophysis fuses to the vertebral body.
What causes endplate changes?
1. A mechanical cause: Degeneration of the disc causes loss of soft nuclear material, reduced disc height and hydrostatic pressure, which increases the shear forces on the endplates and micro fractures may occur.
What does Modic type 1 endplate changes mean?
Modic type I endplate change is the most controversial and important of the three types described (see Modic endplate change). It is seen on MRI of the spine and represents the presence of low T1 and high T2 signal within the bone marrow of a vertebral body adjacent to a disk. Type 1 change can enhance and be painful.
What is an endplate defect?
Summary of background data: Endplate defect is a magnetic resonance imaging trait, found to be associated with intervertebral disc degeneration. There is a lack of understanding regarding the mechanism underlying lumbar disc degeneration (LDD).
Does end plate sclerosis cause pain?
Theoretically, due to the histological characteristics of Modic changes, they may cause low back pain. However, it is difficult to distinguish this low back pain from the low back pain caused by disc degeneration in clinical research.
What is vertebral end plate?
Spine Anatomy Overview Video. A vertebral end plate is the transition region where a vertebral body and intervertebral disc interface with each other. A vertebral end plate is commonly described as consisting of 2 layers: Cartilaginous layer (also called cartilaginous endplate) that fuses with the disc.
Are Modic changes serious?
Modic changes (MC) are bone marrow lesions seen within a vertebral body on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), suggestive of being associated with low back pain (LBP). Their presence in clients receiving physiotherapy for low back pain may be of significance when discussing prognosis and benefits of exercise therapy.
Are Modic changes painful?
Modic changes were the only variable that was found to be significantly and negatively associated with changes in pain score and function. Type 1 was negatively associated with both change of pain and change of function and was statistically significantly different from Type 2.
Does endplate cause pain?
In patients with endplate sclerosis on plain radiographs or CT scans, the endplate can still represent an inflammatory process associated with chronic lower back pain.
What are endplate Schmorl’s nodes?
Schmorl nodes, classically known as intravertebral disc herniations, were first described by Schmorl in 1927 [1]. Schmorl nodes represent a herniation or an extrusion of the intervertebral disc nuclear material through the vertebral body endplate, with displacement of this material into the adjacent vertebral body [2].
Is end plate sclerosis serious?
Studies have found evidence that such lesions on endplates in the lumbar region of the back are associated with low back pain. 3 In its advanced stages, endplate degeneration is called endplate sclerosis. Endplate damage can be difficult to detect, even with diagnostic imaging.
What is the best treatment for degenerative disc disease?
Treatment may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, or both, special exercises, medications, losing weight, and surgery. Medical options include injecting the joints next to the damaged disc with steroids and a local anesthetic. These are called facet joint injections. They can provide effective pain relief.
What does endplate changes mean?
Vertebral endplate signal changes (VESC) are more common among patients with low back pain (LBP) and/or sciatica than in people who are not seeking care for back pain. The distribution and characteristics of VESC have been described in people from clinical and non-clinical populations.
What is degenerative end plate changes?
Modic changes are a term which is used to describe the changes of the vertebral endplate which are related to spinal degeneration. They are called ‘Modic changes’ after the author Dr. Modic, who was the first Doctor to identify and classify degenerative endplate changes and marrow changes surrounding the intervertebral disc.
What is mild degenerative changes of the thoracic spine?
The phrase “degenerative changes” in the spine refers to osteoarthritis of the spine. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Doctors may also refer to it as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis in the spine most commonly occurs in the neck and lower back.
What is degenerative endplate edema?
Edema is swelling of an extremity or area of the body. A degenerative end plate may be an area that shows up on an x-ray showing breakdown of bone. A physician will need to evaluate and treat. 1 person found this useful.