No evidence for presence of bacteria in modic type I changes.

Background: Recent studies suggest an association between sciatica and Propionibacterium acnes. "Modic type I changes" in the vertebrae are closely associated with sciatica and lower back pain, and recent studies have questioned the ability of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to differentiate between degenerative Modic type I changes and vertebral abnormalities caused by infection.

Purpose: To test whether bacteria could be cultured from biopsies of Modic type I changes.