Comparative Morphological Analysis and 3D Mapping of Lumbar Vertebral Endplates in Degenerative Disc Disease using High-Resolution MRI and CT Imaging

Project Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the morphological characteristics and three-dimensional (3D) mapping of lumbar vertebral endplates in individuals with degenerative disc disease (DDD) utilizing high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) modalities. The primary aim is to elucidate the relationship between endplate architecture, subchondral bone integrity, and disc degeneration severity, facilitating improved understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms and potential diagnostic biomarkers. A cross-sectional cohort of 120 participants aged 35–75 years, comprising 60 DDD patients with varying levels of radiographic degeneration and 60 age- and sex-matched asymptomatic controls, was recruited from a tertiary care center. All participants underwent standardized high-resolution 3D MRI sequences, including T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and T2 mapping of the lumbar spine, complemented by CT imaging with ultra-high-resolution bone algorithms to delineate fine endplate morphology and subchondral bone microarchitecture. Advanced image processing pipelines were developed to segment vertebral endplates, extract quantitative morphological parameters (endplate area, curvature, thickness, and rim width), and reconstruct patient-specific 3D endplate models. CT data provided metrics on subchondral sclerosis, trabecular density, and cortical porosity, while MRI supplied information on cartilage endplate integrity, water content, and diffusion characteristics. A multimodal fusion approach was employed to co-register MRI and CT datasets, enabling integrated analysis of soft tissue and bony endplate components. Statistical models evaluated associations between endplate morphology and disc degeneration indices, including Pfirrmann grade, Modic changes, and quantitative MRI biomarkers. Subgroup analyses explored sex-related differences, age stratification, and correlation with symptomatology such as chronic low back pain intensity and functional impairment. Key findings indicate that advanced degenerative changes in DDD correlate with measurable alterations in endplate geometry, including reduced endplate thickness, increased rim width, and pronounced posterior concavity, alongside heightened subchondral sclerosis and decreased trabecular density. Multivariate analyses reveal that endplate disruption explains a substantial portion of variance in disc signal changes and Modic type alterations beyond conventional disc height loss alone. 3D endplate models demonstrate spatially localized vulnerability zones at the anterior-superior quadrant in early degeneration, transitioning to diffuse involvement with progression. MRI markers of cartilage endplate compromise, particularly T2 relaxation times and diffusion metrics, show strong associations with the severity of endplate remodeling and subchondral bone deterioration on CT. The integrative imaging approach enables the construction of a reference atlas of lumbar endplate morphologies across degenerative spectra, offering potential noninvasive biomarkers for early detection and risk stratification. The study advances the understanding of how endplate morphology interacts with intervertebral disc pathology and provides methodological groundwork for longitudinal tracking of endplate remodeling. Limitations include cross-sectional design, potential imaging resolution constraints at lower lumbar levels, and the need for external validation in diverse populations. Future work should pursue longitudinal follow-up to capture dynamic remodeling trajectories and evaluate the predictive value of combined MRI-CT endplate metrics for therapeutic outcomes.

Project Overview

What This Project Is About

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The project explores how the lower spine bones (lumbar vertebrae) and their endplates change in degenerative disc disease. It uses two imaging methods—high-resolution MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computed tomography)—to map and compare the shapes and surfaces of these endplates in three dimensions. The goal is to understand how anatomy changes relate to pain and spine health.

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The Problem It Addresses

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Objectives of the Project

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1. Describe the normal and diseased shapes of lumbar endplates.
2. Develop a method to create 3D maps from MRI and CT data.
3. Compare endplate features across imaging modalities.
4. Identify morphological markers that correlate with disease severity.
5. Assess the reliability of 3D endplate measurements.

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What You Will Do Step by Step

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1. Learn basics of MRI and CT imaging and endplate anatomy.

2. Collect anonymized lumbar spine images from a dataset or collaborators.

3. Segment endplates on MRI and CT scans (outline the areas of interest).

4. Build 3D models and maps of endplate surfaces.

5. Extract morphometric features (size, thickness, curvature).

6. Compare features between healthy and degenerated cases and across modalities.

7. Analyze data for patterns and statistical significance.

8. Interpret findings in the context of clinical relevance.

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Expected Outcome

Anticipated results include clear 3D endplate maps, identified markers of degeneration, and a demonstration of how MRI and CT data complement each other. The project should yield practical insights for clinicians on imaging-based assessment of lumbar endplates and contribute to better diagnostic strategies.