Dallas classification for discography

Dallas classification

A classification system to assess the degree of annular tear/fissuring
*The term "tear" is not recommended in imaging reporting according to 2014 consensus of the North American Spine Society, American Society of Spine Radiology & American Society of Neuroradiology

Assess via CT Discogram following Discography.
Dallas classification evolves from the initial 4 grades up to 7 grades over time
*Grade 5 annular fissure can be determined during Discography

Grade 0:
- Normal contained nucleus pulposus

Grade 1:
- Contrast leak into the inner 1/3 of annulus

Grade 2:
- Contrast leak into the inner 1/3 & middle 1/3 of annulus

Grade 3:
- Contrast leak into the inner, middle and outer 1/3 of annulus (ie entire thickness of annulus), less than 30% circumference

Grade 4:
- Contrast leak to circumferentially more than 30% of the annulus

Grade 5:
- Contrast leak into epidural space

Grade 6:
- Disc sequestration

Grade 7:
- Diffuse annular tear in disc degeneration


Reference:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3097593/#!po=45.0000