Association between Type 1 Modic Changes and Propionibacterium Acnes Infection in the Cervical Spine: An Observational Study.

We conclude that P acnes was prevalent in the degenerated cervical spine and that type 1 Modic changes were predictive of a culture positive for P acnes. We also found that the prevalence of P acnes was not associated with previous interventions. If these results are validated by future studies, they could have a major impact on the standard of care for back and neck pain.