Apparent diffusion coefficient of the lumbar intervertebral disc as a quantitative indicator of disease severity and treatment effectiveness

This prospective study aimed to evaluate the role of T1ρ, T2*, and ADC – the quantitative MRI indices, in determining the severity of intervertebral disc degeneration and treatment effectiveness. All three indices decreased with increasing Pfirmman grade, which determines the severity, suggestive of their potential as indicators of disease severity. The mean ADC of the degenerated disc increased significantly after surgery, suggesting its potential as a treatment effectiveness indicator.