Prevalence, risk factors, natural history, and prognostic significance of Modic changes in the cervical spine: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of 12,754 participants.

Objective: Modic changes (MCs) in the cervical spine are common, but remain an under-researched phenomenon, particularly regarding their prevalence, natural history, risk factors, and implications for surgical outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis endeavors to elucidate the multifactorial dimensions and clinical significance of cervical MCs.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive systematic search was performed using Medline (via PubMed), EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from their dates of inceptions to September 4, 2023. All identified articles were meticulously screened based on their relevance to our investigative criteria. Bias was assessed using quality assessments tools, including Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Diverse datasets encompassing MCs prevalence, demographic influences, risk factors, cervical sagittal parameters, and surgical outcomes were extracted. Meta-analysis using both random and common effects model was used to synthesis the metadata.

Results: From a total of 867 studies, 38 met inclusion criteria and underwent full-text assessment. The overall prevalence of cervical MCs was 26.0% (95% CI: 19.0%, 34.0%), with a predominance of type 2 MCs (15% ; 95% CI: 0.10%, 0.23%). There was no significant difference between MCs and non-MCs in terms of neck pain (OR:3.09; 95% CI: 0.81, 11.88) and radicular pain (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 0.64, 3.25). The results indicated a significantly higher mean age in the MC group (MD: 1.69 years; 95% CI: 0.29 years, 3.08 years). Additionally, smokers had 1.21 times the odds (95% CI: 1.01, 1.45) of a higher risk of developing MCs compared to non-smokers. While most cervical sagittal parameters remained unaffected, the presence of MCs indicated no substantial variation in pain intensity. However, a significant finding was the lower Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores observed in MC patients at the 3-month (MD: -0.34, 95% CI: -0.62, -0.07) and 6-month (MD: -0.40, 95% CI: -0.80, 0.00) postoperative periods, indicating a prolonged recovery phase.

Conclusion: This study found a predominant of type 2 MCs in the cervical spine. However, there was no significant mean difference between MCs and non-MC groups regarding neck pain and radicular pain. The results underscore the necessity for expansive, longitudinal research to elucidate the complexity of cervical MCs, particularly in surgical and postoperative contexts.