title: MR imaging of degenerative disc disease.
abstract: Magnet resonance imaging (MRI) is the most commonly used imaging modality for diagnosis of degenerative disc disease (DDD). Lack of precise observations and documentation of aspects within the complex entity of DDD might partially be the cause of poor correlation of radiographic findings to clinical symptoms. This literature review summarizes the current knowledge on MRI in DDD and outlines the diagnostic limitations. The review further sensitizes the reader toward awareness of potentially untended aspects of DDD and the interaction of DDD and endplate changes. A summary of the available classifications for DDD is provided.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. Electronic address: nadja.farshad@usz.ch.
authors.forename: Nadja A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Farshad-Amacker
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Mazda
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Farshad
authors.affiliation: Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Winklehner
authors.affiliation: Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Gustav
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Andreisek
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000473:pathology*; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*
keywords: DDD; Degeneration; Disc; Intervertebral disc; MRI; Magnet resonance imaging; Spine