Radiological outcomes of 360° lumbar fusion in patients with Modic changes

Introduction A cascade of degenerative spine changes affects the structures including vertebral endplates and bodies of adjacent vertebrae that can be visualized on MRI imaging as Modic changes. The aim of the study was to assess the role of changes in the endplates and adjacent vertebral bodies in radiological results of monosegmental posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in patients with degenerative lesions of the spine. Material and methods The design of the study was a monocenter retrospective comparative cohort study. The radiological results of PLIF performed in combination with transpedicular screw fixation for 122 patients with Modic changes in adjacent endplates and adjacent vertebral bodies were evaluated for interbody fusion, subsidence of interbody implants, segmental angle, interbody space height. The followup period was 1-2 years. Results Complete interbody fusion was seen in 94.4 % of Modic type 0 and in 77.3 % of Modic type II changes. Interbody cage subsidence occurred in 38.9 % Modic type I, 22.7 % in Modic type II, 9.1 % in Modic type III and in 11.3 % Modic type 0 changes. A significant decrease in the segmental angle was found in all types of Modic changes (p < 0.05) at 1-2 years with the greatest decrease noted in Modic type I (p = 0.000438). A significant decrease in the interbody space height was noted in all groups (p < 0.05) with the greatest decrease seen in Modic type I changes (p = 0.000438) and the minimum decrease noted in Modic type III changes (p = 0.000438). Discussion The role of the endplates and adjacent vertebral bodies in the results of surgical treatment was evident, and more research is needed to explore the sort of this relationship. Conclusions Modic changes in the endplates and adjacent red bone marrow showed a significant relationship with the radiological outcomes of monosegmental PLIF. The interbody fusion Tan grade I and Tan grade II was more common for Modic type 0 and less common for Modic type II changes. Subsidence of interbody implants was more common for Modic type I and less common for Modic type III changes (9.1%). Postoperative loss of interbody space height and segmental correction was common for Modic type I.