We conducted a prospective follow-up MRI study
of originally asymptomatic healthy subjects to clarify the development
of Modic changes in the cervical spine over a ten-year period and
to identify related factors. Previously, 497 asymptomatic healthy
volunteers with no history of cervical trauma or surgery underwent
MRI. Of these, 223 underwent a second MRI at a mean follow-up of
11.6 years (10 to 12.7). These 223 subjects comprised 133 men and 100
women with a mean age at second MRI of 50.5 years (23 to 83). Modic
changes were classified as not present and types 1 to 3. Changes
in Modic types over time and relationships between Modic changes
and progression of degeneration of the disc or clinical symptoms
were evaluated. A total of 31 subjects (13.9%) showed Modic changes at
follow-up: type 1 in nine, type 2 in 18, type 3 in two, and types In the cervical spine over a ten-year period