What Is the Role of the Bacterium Propionibacterium acnes in Type 1 Modic Changes? A Review of the Literature

Abstract

This review presents a summary of the pathology and epidemiology of Modic changes and the possible role of Propionibacterium acnes. This information is followed by a synthesis of the most recent clinical research involved in culturing the discs of patients with degenerative disc disease for the presence of bacteria. We also discuss a randomized controlled trial that investigates the effects of antibiotics on patients with chronic low back pain and type 1 Modic changes. We conclude with a brief discussion of the difficulties involved in this research and the significance of the findings.

Keywords: Antibiotics; Disc degenerative disease; Modic changes; P. acnes.