Can Texture Features of T2WI Capture the Effectiveness of Gel Implantation Treatment for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration?

Motivation: Lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is an important health problem. However, conventional treatments for IVD degeneration do not solve the underlying cause of the degeneration. Goal(s): To compare the quantitative T2WI features of IVD in the conventional treatment group and the gel-implantation therapy group, a new treatment that may be effective in repairing IVD tissue. Approach: Histogram and texture features were calculated from lesion IVD in T2WI and compared in relation to group and time. Results: Contrast, a measure of local heterogeneity, was significantly higher in the gel group than in the conventional treatment group. Impact: Our results indicate that IVD degeneration may be inhibited and IVD tissue is preserved in the gel group. Texture features, which provide information on the spatial distribution of pixels, could evaluate the efficacy of new treatments for IVD degeneration.