Table 2.

Grading system for MR evaluation

Decrease in signal intensity of intervertebral disc

Grade 0: as bright as or slightly less bright than cerebrospinal fluid

Grade 1: Markedly darker than cerebrospinal fluid

Grade 2: no signal

Posterior disc protrusion

Grade 0: no protrusion

Grade 1: disc material protruding beyond the posterior margin of the vertebral body without cord compression

Grade 2: beyond vertebral body with cord compression

Disc space narrowing

Grade 0: 100–75% of height of upper healthy disc

Grade 1: 75–50% of height of upper healthy disc

Grade 2: <50% of height of upper healthy disc