When assessing intervertebral disc spaces radiographically, what finding indicates potential degenerative disease?

• A. Uniform height of adjacent discs with aligned endplates.
• B. Increased disc height and symmetrical endplates.
• C. Narrowing of the disc spaces with irregular endplates.
• D. Widening of intervertebral foramina.

Answer: (C)

Degenerative disc disease on a radiograph is best indicated when the disc spaces appear narrowed and the endplates are irregular. The disc losing hydration and height causes the spaces between vertebrae to shrink, while the body reacts with bone remodeling—endplate irregularities and often osteophyte formation. This combination—reduced disc height with jagged, irregular endplates—reflects the degenerative process at the motion segment.

In contrast, a normal-appearing, evenly spaced disc with smooth endplates suggests no degenerative change. An increase in disc height with smooth endplates is not typical of degeneration, and widening of the intervertebral foramina is more associated with conditions like disc herniation or foraminal stenosis rather than standard degenerative disc disease.