Objective：This study aims to investigate the feasibility of ultra-short echo time（UTE） imaging for assessing the cartilage endplate（CEP）damage. Methods：MR imaging of 85 CEPs from 36 patients with low back pain was performed at 3T MR using UTE imaging and routine lumbar MR sequences. UTE image of CEP was postprocessed into subtracted UTE image. Signal to noise ratio（SNR）and contrast to noise ratio（CNR）were calculated to evaluate the subtracted UTE image quality. Based on the subtracted UTE images and Rajasekaran grading，the endplates were classified into six grades according to the damage of CEP and bony endplate. Two musculoskeletal radiologists assessed the grade of endplate damage based on the subtracted UTE images. Agreement between two radiologists was determined using Cohen’s kappa analysis. The distribution of Modic change in 85 endplates were evaluated. Results：The resultant subtracted UTE image quality was confirmed by high SNR and CNR（mean SNR：33.06±2.92；mean CNR：9.4±2.08）. Six grades of endplates were evaluated by two radiologists in substantial agreement with Cohen’s kappa of 0.816. Modic changes were found in 34 of 85 endplates. Cochran-Armitage analysis showed linear trend between the degree of endplate damage and Modic change（P < 0.000 5）. Conclusion：UTE imaging might be considered as an effective tool to assess the CEP damage in clinic. The distribution of Modic changes shows that the more serious the damage of endplate，the more likely Modic changes appear.