The aim of the present study was to record the MRI characteristics of the thoracic spine in asymptomatic adult males and their correlation with age and thoracic level.

A cross sectional retrospective study was designed in order to record MRI thoracic spine findings in asymptomatic adult males, 35 to 65 years of age. All study participants were evaluated by MRI. The qualitative and quantitative assessed MRI parameters were as follows: disc degeneration (disk signal intensity), bulging, herniation, disc height, Modic changes, endplate irregularities, osteophytes.

Intervertebral disc signal was decreased more in the lower thoracic spine (T6-T12 level). In addition there was a strong correlation between disc degeneration (disc signal loss) and the age of the study participants. Disc bulging was most frequently observed anteriorly than posteriorly with the prevalence increased caudally. Modic changes were not so frequent and there were most commonly seen in the lower thoracic spine (T11-T12 level). In addition osteophytes were larger anteriorly than posteriorly and their prevalence increased caudally. Endplate irregularities (Schmorl nodes) were more common in the upper endplates and in the lower thoracic spine (T6-T12 level). Finally strong positive correlation was noted between osteophytes, anterior and posterior and disc bulging.

This study documents the mild to moderate grade of degenerative changes especially in the lower thoracic spine (T6-T12 level) of asymptomatic adult males, 35 to 65 years of age