Relationship between Endplate Defects, Modic Change, Disc Degeneration, and Facet Joint Degeneration in Patients with Low Back Pain

Figure 3

Facet osteoarthritis changes or degeneration was categorized into four grades using T2-weighted axial MRI. (a) Grade 1 was normal. (b) Grade 2 showed a narrow joint space and small osteophytes (mild osteoarthritis). (c) Grade 3 showed sclerosis or subchondral erosions (moderate osteoarthritis). (d) Grade 4 showed marked osteophyte (severe osteoarthritis).