Pfirrmann Disc Degeneration Grade
The Pfirrmann classification of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration on T2 MRI, by disc structure, nucleus-annulus distinction, signal, and height, grades I/II/III/IV/V.
Open the calculator → Runs in your browser. Data leaves only if you deliberately send a problem report from the interactive tool.
Example
- Pfirrmann grade
- III - gray, unclear distinction
Result: Pfirrmann grade III: inhomogeneous gray, unclear nucleus-annulus distinction, height normal to slightly decreased.
The tool opens with these values already filled in. Replace them with your own.
What the result means
- Grade I
- Homogeneous bright white, clear distinction, normal height.
- Grade II
- Inhomogeneous bright white, clear distinction, normal height.
- Grade III
- Inhomogeneous gray, unclear distinction, height normal to slightly decreased.
- Grade IV
- Inhomogeneous gray to black, lost distinction, height normal to moderately decreased.
- Grade V
- Inhomogeneous black, lost distinction, collapsed disc space.
What you enter
- Pfirrmann grade
How this is calculated
Pfirrmann CW, Metzdorf A, Zanetti M, Hodler J, Boos N. Magnetic resonance classification of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2001;26(17):1873-1878. Read the source ↗
A reference and educational tool. Not medical, legal, or financial advice, and not a substitute for clinician judgment.