title: Are Modic type 2 disc changes associated with low-grade infections? A pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study is to compare intraoperative cultural examination in patients undergoing elective surgery for low-back pain with Modic 2 changes to patients without Modic signs. The aim of this study is to compare intraoperative cultural examination in patients undergoing elective surgery for low-back pain with Modic 2 changes to patients without Modic signs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen patients with Modic 2 changes were compared with 23 patients without Modic signs. Preoperative laboratory tests and intraoperative tissue cultures were performed, according to a standardized procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  While no difference was found in preoperative laboratory tests, intraoperative cultural examination showed positive results in six of 16 (37.5%) Modic 2 patients versus one of 23 (4.3%) in patients without Modic changes (P=0.012).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although performed in a limited series of patients, this study supports the hypothesis that some cases of Modic 2 changes might be associated with the presence of low virulent bacteria.
authors.affiliation: Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy.|University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Drago
authors.affiliation: Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Carlo L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Romanò
authors.affiliation: Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Riccardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cecchinato
authors.affiliation: Don Gnocchi IRCCS and Foundation, Milan, Italy - mail@villafane.it.
authors.forename: Jorge H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Villafañe
authors.affiliation: Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: De Vecchi
authors.affiliation: Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lamartina
authors.affiliation: Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Berjano
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects