Assessing the correlation between the degree of disc degeneration on the Pfirrmann scale and the metabolites identified in HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy

Our results demonstrate correlations between metabolite concentrations and the degree of lumbar disc degeneration assessed using the Pfirrmann grading system and provide another step toward the potential use of in vivo MR spectroscopy for investigation of biomarkers in lumbar disc degeneration.