A statistical model for intervertebral disc degeneration: determination of the optimal T2 cut-off values.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of quantitative classification in intervertebral disc degeneration using spin-spin relaxation time (T2) cut-off values with regard to morphological classifications.

Methods: Lumbar magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed on 21 subjects (a total of 104 lumbar disks). The T2 relaxation time was measured in the nucleus pulposus using a sagittal multi-echo spin-echo sequence.