Patient Information Resources


Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.
763 Larkfield Road
2nd Floor
Commack, NY 11725
Ph: (631) 462-2225
Fax: (631) 462-2240






Child Orthopedics
General
Pain Management
Spine - Cervical
Spine - General
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic

« Back

What does it mean to have a Grade 5 disc degeneration? My father just came back from having an MRI and that's what the doctor told him.

Disc degeneration in the spine is common as we age. Doctors gauge how severe the damage is by giving the disc a number from 1 to 5 from best to worst. The grades are usually written in Roman numerals (I to V).

Early degeneration is noted by Grades I and II. Moderate destruction is a III. More severe damage is labeled IV and V. Grade V means the disc is no longer healthy. It has lost its ability to cushion the spine. In fact, the disc may be collapsed with very little space between the bones.

MRIs can show the condition of the two parts of the disc. These include the outer covering called the anulus and the inner core called the nucleus. Damage from aging or injury can result in disc degeneration. The nucleus and annulus are no longer visible on MRI as two separate structures. A very low signal intensity shows up on the MRI with a grade V disc.


References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.