Table 2 Assessment of disc degeneration with the Pfirrman grading system23.

From: Lumbar spinal stenosis and disc alterations affect the upper lumbar spine in adults with achondroplasia

Spine levels

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

T12-L1

12 (71)

1 (6)

2 (12)

1 (6)

1 (6)

L1-L2

9 (53)

2 (12)

1 (6)

4 (24)

1 (6)

L2-L3

5 (31)

1 (6)

3 (19)

7 (44)

0 (0)

L3-L4

4 (25)

3 (19)

6 (38)

3 (19)

0 (0)

L4-L5

7 (44)

7 (44)

1 (6)

1 (6)

0 (0)

L5-S1

4 (22)

12 (67)

1 (6)

1 (6)

0 (0)

  1. Data are n (%).
  2. Grade 1, homogeneous disc with bright high signal intensity, clear distinction between nucleus and annulus, and normal disc height.
  3. Grade 2, inhomogeneous disc with white signal intensity, clear distinction between nucleus and annulus, and normal height.
  4. Grade 3, inhomogeneous disc with intermediate gray signal intensity, unclear distinction between nucleus and annulus, and normal or slightly decreased disc height.
  5. Grade 4, inhomogeneous disc with dark low signal intensity, no possible distinction between nucleus and annulus, and normal or moderately decreased disc height.
  6. Grade 5, inhomogeneous disc with black low signal intensity, no possible distinction between nucleus and annulus, and complete disc narrowing.
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