The Relationship between Spondylolisthesis and Modic Changes: An MRI Study

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to investigate the relationship between the presence of spondylolisthesis and Modic changes (MCs) by using lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: The study included 139 adult patients aged 18-65 years with lumbar spondylolisthesis detected on lumbar MRI. Demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and levels and grades of spondylolisthesis, and presence of lumbar MCs/types were recorded. The findings were compared between two groups including grade 1 and grade 2 spondylolisthesis. Results: Grade 1 and 2 spondylolisthesis groups were similar for age (p=0.787), sex (p=0.076), listhesis' level (p=0.268) and direction (p=0.280). The presences of pars spondylolysis, disc space narrowing, and MCs were significantly higher in patients with grade 2 spondylolisthesis than those with grade 1 (94.4% vs 64.1%), (97.2% vs 83.5%), and (100% vs 83.5%), respectively (all p<0.05). Grade 2 spondylolisthesis patients had significantly higher proportion of type 2 MCs than patients with grade 1 (88.9% vs 63.1%) (p<0.05). Conclusion: MCs are associated lumbar spondylolisthesis. The presence of spondylolisthesis may be a predisposing factor for MCs occurred in the lumbar spine. Prospective studies on the topic should be examined in more detail.