OBJECTIVE: This paper wants to evaluate the presence of Modic (vertebral end-plate changes) and its association with segmental instability demonstrated on flexion, extension and neutral sagittal radiographs. Method: Sectional analysis of the images studies from 115 patients that were realized in the radiology service of the Mãe de Deus Hospital in Porto Alegre (RS), from July/2008 until February/2010. A total of 575 segments from L1 to S1 were analyzed using MRI and radiographic exams. RESULTS: It was analyzed 115 patients, 59 (51,30%) were female and 56 (48,70%) were male. The age ranged from 13 years and 06 months to 81 years and 02 months; the mean age was 43 years and 08 moths. With the criteria of instability used here, 224 unstable segments were found and 351 segments were stable, from this, the Modic I was observed in seven unstable segments and in 22 stable segments. 32.58% of all unstable segments were observed on L4-L5, the most prevalent. CONCLUSION: This study shows no association between radiographic instability and Modic I presence.
Joint instability; Intervertebral disk displacement; Radiography
