Association between Modic changes and intervertebral vacuum phenomenon severity in patients undergoing percutaneous cement discoplasty

Background Modic changes and intervertebral vacuum phenomenon (IVP) are considered spinal degenerative changes. The correlation between Modic and IVP has not been analyzed in the literature. Purpose To analyze the correlation between IVP severity, Modic changes, and subchondral sclerosis across the lumbar spine in patients with lumbar degeneration. Material and Methods This is a retrospective study analyzing patients who underwent percutaneous cement discoplasty at a single institution between 2015 and 2020. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans were analyzed to make the measurements. Modic type and grade as well as severity of IVP were preoperatively measured. The association between Modic type, grade, subchondral sclerosis, and the presence of IVP was analyzed. Results In total, 110 patients (mean age = 77.03 & PLUSMN; 7.1 years) were finally included in the study. Per level correlation analysis showed a significant positive association between IVP and Modic type, IVP and Modic grade, and IVP and subchondral sclerosis. Moreover, subchondral sclerosis was significantly associated with Modic type and grade. Conclusion Our study showed a significant positive correlation among Modic changes, IVP, and subchondral sclerosis throughout the lumbar spine. Our findings support the theory that endplate degeneration parameters are associated with the presence and severity of IVP.