AGE-RELATED MRI CHANGES AT 0.1-T IN CERVICAL DISKS IN ASYMPTOMATIC SUBJECTS

The age-dependent occurrence of cervical degenerative changes was stud ies using 0.1 T MRI in 89 asymptomatic volunteers aged 9 to 63 years. The degree of DD (disc darkening on T2-weighted images), disc protrus ions and prolapses, narrowing of disc spaces, dorsal osteophytes and s pinal canal stenosis were assessed. Abnormalities were commoner in old er subjects, 62% of being seen in those over 40 years old. In subjects aged less than 30 years there were virtually no abnormalities. DD was the most common abnormality, seen in 10% of discs; 57% DD was in subj ects aged over 40. DD at the C5/6 level was the most common finding. N o differences in abnormal findings between males and females was obser ved, nor any statistically significant association between DD and othe r abnormalities. Thus, DD begins later age in the cervical spine than in the lumbar region. Asymptomatic degenerative changes are common on MRI in the cervical spine after 30 years of age.