Quantitative MRI analysis of the surface area, signal intensity and MRI index of the central bright area for the evaluation of early adjacent disc degeneration after lumbar fusion

摘要

The aim of this study was to evaluate early ASD at short-term follow-up in fused and unoperated patients with degenerative disc disease, using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis of the area, signal intensity and their product, i.e., MRI index of the central bright area of the disc as well as measures of intervertebral disc height and Pfirrmann grading scale. The further purpose was to determine whether fusion accelerates ASD compared with non-surgical treatment in short-term follow-up.