MRI-Based Grading Systems for Assessing Lumbar Disc Degeneration: A Scoping Review.

ABSTRACT:

Background context

An array of different MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) based grading systems is used to measure disc degeneration (DD) in the lumbar spine. It is currently unclear which grading systems are most commonly used to assess lumbar DD and how these grading systems are applied and reported.

Purpose

The aim of this scoping review was to describe different MRI-based grading systems for DD in the lumbar spine and report which grading systems have been assessed for measurement properties such as reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change.

Study design/setting

Scoping review.

Methods

A search was conducted in EMBASE, Medline, and CINAHL for studies related to MRI-based grading systems for DD in the lumbar spine, conducted in living humans. Data wer

SUBMITTER: Esposito D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12435304 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature