In this study, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of ultra-short echo time (UTE) imaging for assessing the cartilage endplate (CEP) damage and evaluate the relationship between the grading of CEP and lumbar disc degeneration. UTE images with short and long TEs were performed on patients with low back pain. The resultant subtracted UTE images between short and long TEs showed well structural CEP clearly. Strong correlation was observed between CEP degree based on UTE imaging and lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration. With these findings, UTE imaging might thus be considered an effective tool to assess the CEP damage in clinic.
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