Pfirrmann Classification

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

The Pfirrmann classification is used to grade lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration into five different grades and was first published in 2001[^1].

Classification

The intervertebral disc is assessed on a sagittal T2 MRI sequence.

Grade

Description

Grade 1

The structure of the Intervertebral disc is homogeneous and exhibits a bright, hyperintense signal intensity as well as normal disc height.

Grade 2

The intervertebral disc exhibits an inhomogeneous structure with a Hyperintense signal. The distinction between the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus is clearly visible. Disc height is preserved and normal. Horizontal gray bands may be present or absent.

Grade 3

The intervertebral disc exhibits an inhomogeneous structure with intermediate gray signal intensity. The distinction between the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus is indistinct. Disc height is normal or slightly reduced.

Grade 4

The intervertebral disc exhibits an inhomogeneous structure with hypointense dark gray signal intensity. The distinction between the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus is no longer present. Disc height is normal or moderately reduced.

Grade 5

The intervertebral disc exhibits an inhomogeneous structure with hypointense black signal intensity. The distinction between the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus is no longer present. The disc space is collapsed.

Figure

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Edit · Alaric Steinmetz · (+1 −2)

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Edit · Alaric Steinmetz · (+10 −10)
  • Text changed: “The Pfirrmann classification is used to grade lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration into five distinct grades and was first published in 2001[^1].”“The Pfirrmann classification is used to grade lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration into five different grades and was first published in 2001[^1].”
  • Citation added: “Pfirrmann, Christian WA, et al. "Magnetic resonance classification of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration." Spine 26.17 (2001): 1873-1878.”
  • Citation removed: “Pfirrmann, Christian WA, et al. "Magnetic resonance classification of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration." spine 26.17 (2001): 1873-1878.”
Edit · Alaric Steinmetz · (+274 −5)
  • Text added: “The Pfirrmann classification is used to grade lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration into five distinct grades and was first published in 2001[^1].”
  • Text added: “Classification”
  • Text added: “The intervertebral disc is assessed on a sagittal T2 MRI sequence .”
  • Text added: “Figure”
  • Citation added: “Pfirrmann, Christian WA, et al. "Magnetic resonance classification of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration." spine 26.17 (2001): 1873-1878.”
  • Image added: pfirrmann_klassifikation_abbildung.jpg
Edit · Alaric Steinmetz ·

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Article created on · Alaric Steinmetz

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