Lumbar Disc Herniation Classification
The most commonly used and studied classification system for lumbar nerve root compression includes proposed nomenclature by Pfirrmann grading system and van Rijn 1). After pooling the interobserver agreement of various nomenclature systems, there is level 1 and 2 evidence to suggest that the CTF classification of lumbar disc disease has a significant interobserver agreement and van Rijn et al.’s criteria of lumbar nerve root compression have a significant interobserver agreement. These nomenclature systems are the most reliable for describing lumbar disc/nerve root pathology.
The Combined Task Force (CTF) and van Rijn classification systems are the most reliable methods for describing lumbar disc herniation and nerve root compression, respectively. Van Rijn dichotomized nerve roots from “definitely no root compression, possibly no root compression, indeterminate root compression, possible root compression, and definite root compression” into no root compression (first three categories) and root compression (last two categories). The CTF classification defines lumbar discs as normal, focal protrusion, broad-based protrusion, or extrusion. The CTF classification system excludes “disc bulges,” which is a source of confusion and disagreement among many practitioners. This potentially accounts for its improved reliability compared with other proposed nomenclature systems 2).
In 1994, based on a review of the published literature, the most commonly used and studied classification systems for lumbar disc herniation include the Combined Task Force Classification (CTF) and Jensen systems 3).
Age-Related
Pediatric lumbar disc herniation
Localization
Michigan State University Classification for Lumbar Disc Herniation
Upper Lumbar Disc Herniation
Lower Lumbar Disc Herniation
Lower Lumbar Disc Herniation (L4-S1)
Extreme lateral lumbar disc herniation
Extreme lateral lumbar disc herniation.
Foraminal lumbar disc herniation considered some authors a type of extreme lateral lumbar disc herniation.
Intraforaminal lumbar disc herniation
Extraforaminal lumbar disc herniation
Central lumbar disc herniation
Axillary lumbar disc herniation