Table 1.
A comprehensive grading system for lumbar disc degeneration
| Grade | Structure | Distinction of nucleus and anulus | Signal intensity | Height of intervertebral disc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Homogeneous, bright wight | 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 |
Cited from Pfirrmann et al. [25]