SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “INTERVERTEBRAL DISK”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

[Ultrastructure of intervertebral disk in the corresponding area after internal fixation of spinal column].

OBJECTIVE: To observe ultrastructural changes of the intervertebral disk in the corresponding area after internal fixation of spinal column. METHODS: Twenty-four Japanese big ear rabbits were divided into internal fixation of spinal column group (n=12) and control group (n=12). The internal fixation model was made as follows: The spinous processes and erector spinal muscle were exposed and the T10-L3 spinous processes and the relevant two-side articular processes under the periosteum were isolated. With the help of L-shaped Kirschner wires, the steel wire was threaded through the articular of T11, T12, LI and L2, and were connected with L-shaped Kirschner wires. After 6 months of operation, the following intervertebral disk tissues were observed with transmission electron microscope: nucleus pulposus, internal anulus fibrosus and external anulus fibrosus of L1 intervertebral disk. The T12 and L2 intervertebral disk surface structure was observed horizontally and longitudinally with scanning electron microscope, respectively. RESULTS: After internal fixation of spinal column, the structural changes of cells in nucleus pulposus and internal annulus fibrosus occurred earlier than that in the external annulus fibrosus. Proteoglycan and special structure were found in nucleus pulposus and matrix of annulus fibrosus. However, the forms of special structure in nucleus pulposus and internal layer of annulus fibrosus were different. In the degeneration matrix of intervertebral disc, the proteoglycan particles and special structure were obviously decreased. CONCLUSION: Abnormal stress environment can result in the degeneration of intervertebral disk. There is a regular distribution of the special structure in nucleus pulposus and matrix of annulus fibrosus, which is related to biology behaviour of proteoglycan particles in the degeneration of intervertebral disk.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Intervertebral disks on MR images: variation in signal intensity with the disk-to-magnetic field orientation.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate and quantitate the magic angle effect in the intervertebral disk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Magnetic resonance (MR) images of a lumbar intervertebral disk in a healthy volunteer were obtained with MR images with horizontal and vertical magnetic fields. Thin-section spin-echo images of an excised intervertebral disk were obtained with a horizontal field machine at orientations with respect to the main magnetic field between +90 degrees and -90 degrees. T1 and T2 were measured independently in this disk at two orientations. RESULTS: Images of the in vivo disk demonstrated a variation in the signal intensity of the anulus fibrosus that was different for the two MR units. The images obtained in the excised intervertebral disk demonstrated a signal intensity variation with disk orientation that was most pronounced in the anterior portion of the anulus. Relaxation time measurements showed the signal intensity reduction to arise from a reduction in T2 with oblique orientations. CONCLUSION: The observed signal intensity variation with disk orientation arises from an anisotropy in T2 caused by the restriction of water associated with collagen in the anulus. The magic angle effect in intervertebral disks will be observed with vertical magnetic field MR imagers.

Humans↗

PubMed2005

Sonographic characterization of the lumbar intervertebral disk with anatomic correlation and histopathologic findings.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the normal anatomy and abnormalities of the lumbar intervertebral disk with sonography in cadaveric specimens and to correlate the sonographic findings with pathologic findings. METHODS: Sonographic imaging with both 4.5- and 10-MHz linear array transducers was performed on 35 lumbar intervertebral disks in 13 human cadaveric spines. The cadaveric specimens were sectioned for anatomic and histopathologic evaluation. Findings on anatomic sections were correlated with the findings on corresponding sonographic images with respect to the sonographic appearance of disk components in 30 intervertebral disks. RESULTS: High-resolution sonography with a 10-MHz frequency transducer enabled distinction of the nucleus pulposus from the annulus fibrosus and assessment of the echogenic characteristics of these structures. Sonography showed numerous fine linear echoes in the outer portion of the intervertebral disk in 26 (87%) of 30 specimens, which corresponded to the normal concentric arrangement of the fibers in the periphery of the annulus fibrosus. Amorphous areas of low echogenicity in the inner portion of the annulus fibrosus (n = 14, 47%) correlated with degenerative changes of the disk on corresponding microscopic sections. The nucleus pulposus appeared relatively isoechoic (n = 5, 17%) or hyperechoic (n = 4, 13%) to the annulus fibrosus. In degenerative disks (n = 21, 70%), the nucleus pulposus showed decreased echogenicity, and differentiation between the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus was difficult. CONCLUSIONS: High-resolution sonography is a simple imaging method that can show the normal lumbar intervertebral disk and degenerative changes in appropriate subjects. High-resolution sonography proves superior to conventional sonography for evaluation of the lumbar intervertebral disk.

Aged↗

PubMed1986

Elastin in the human intervertebral disk. A histological and biochemical study comparing it with elastin in the human yellow ligament.

The elastic fiber and elastin in the human yellow ligament and intervertebral disk were studied histologically and biochemically. The elastic fiber in the human intervertebral disk, which until now had not been clearly identified microscopically, was observed clearly. We found the distribution of the elastic fiber in the intervertebral disk to be very sparse and irregular, and its diameter was small, being about one-tenth of that found in the yellow ligament. The elastin contents of the yellow ligament and intervertebral disk were 46.7% +/- 0.9% and 1.7% +/- 0.2% respectively (mean +/- SE) of the total dry weight. The amino acid composition of elastin in the yellow ligament is similar to that of other tissue, as reported in the literature; however, that found in the intervertebral disk is significantly different. It would appear, therefore, that the elastin in the intervertebral disk is of a different type from that found elsewhere.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Effect of degeneration of the intervertebral disk on the process of diffusion.

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that diffusion of contrast medium into the intervertebral disk is affected by the integrity of the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus. METHODS: In canine intervertebral disks, defects were made in the annulus fibrosus and nuclear material was removed from the disk with a nucleotome. MR imaging was performed with intravenous contrast medium at 15, 30, 60, and 90 days after the procedure. The diffusion of contrast medium in the intervertebral disk was studied by visual inspection and by measuring changes in signal intensity. The intervertebral disk were classified at each MR study as normal or abnormal on the basis of the signal intensity on T2-weighted images. RESULTS: In untreated disks after intravenous injection of contrast medium, a band of increased signal intensity was observed near the endplates that became wider with time and approached the center of the disk. In six of the 12 treated disks, the band of increased signal intensity was visibly diminished or less discrete compared with that in the control disks. Weeks later, these treated disks showed diminished signal intensity on T2-weighted images and bulging of the annulus fibrosus. CONCLUSIONS: Intervertebral disks with defects in the annulus fibrosus and reduced cartilage content were characterized by abnormal diffusion of contrast medium into the disk, and changes characteristic of early disk degeneration were detected subsequently.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Difference of mineral contents in human intervertebral disks and its age-related change.

To establish a difference of the relative contents (RCs) of elements among the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar intervertebral disks and its age-related change, the intervertebral disks between the axis and the sacrum, which were resected from the nine cadavers who died at 53 to 99 yr old, were analyzed by inductively coupled atomic plasma emission spectrometry. It was found that both the RCs of calcium and phosphorus were high in the cervical disks, especially the highest in the disk between the 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae, and lower in the order of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar intervertebral disks. In regard to the RCs of sulfur and magnesium, there were no significant differences among the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar intervertebral disks. In addition, it was found that both the RCs of calcium and phosphorus in the cervical intervertebral disks started to increase in the sixth decade of life, became the highest in the eighth decade of life, and then decreased.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Intervertebral disk appearance correlated with stiffness of lumbar spinal motion segments.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Because it diminishes the stiffness of the intervertebral disk, disk degeneration results in abnormal motions of the spine. Therefore, disk degeneration associated with back pain may indicate spinal fusion. The purpose of this study was to correlate the MR appearance and stiffness of lumbar intervertebral disks. METHODS: Eighty-two lumbar spinal segments were imaged with MR. The intervertebral disks were classified as: 1) normal, 2) having transverse or concentric tears of the annulus fibrosus if MR imaging showed only these changes, 3) having radial tears of the annulus fibrosus if MR imaging showed high-intensity zones in the annulus fibrosus or reduced signal intensity in the disk characteristic of radial tears, or 4) having advanced degeneration if MR imaging showed markedly reduced height, large osteophytes, or both. The rotation occurring from the application of a 6.6-Newton-meter (Nm) moment of axial rotational torque was measured kinematically. Average stiffness, in Nm/degree, was calculated as the ratio of the torque to the rotation. RESULTS: Stiffness averaged 7.0 Nm/degree for the normal group; 1.9 Nm/degree for the disks with concentric or transverse tears; 1.7 Nm/degree for disks with radial tears; and 3.1 Nm/degree for disks with advanced degeneration. The differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Concentric, transverse, and radial tears of the intervertebral disk indicate reduced stiffness of the intervertebral disk and increased motions for a unit of applied torque. The most severely reduced stiffness was found in disks with radial tears of the annulus fibrosus. With collapse of the disk space, stiffness increases.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Bladder function after surgery for lumbar intervertebral disk protrusion.

PURPOSE: Urodynamic changes following surgical treatment for lumbar intervertebral disk protrusion were prospectively studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 98 patients with lumbar intervertebral disk protrusion. Urodynamic evaluation was performed in all patients before and after surgery, and included simultaneous measurement of intravesical and abdominal pressure during bladder filling and voiding, and uroflowmetry (pressure flow measurement). RESULTS: Of the 27 patients with detrusor areflexia preoperatively detrusor activity was normal in only 6 after surgical treatment. Of the 71 patients with normal urodynamic findings preoperatively the findings became abnormal after surgery in 7. CONCLUSIONS: Bladder function frequently remains unchanged after surgery for lumbar intervertebral disk protrusion.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

In vivo detection of intervertebral disk injury using a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody against keratan sulfate.

UNLABELLED: In the intervertebral disk, proteoglycans form the major part of the extracellular matrix, surrounding chondrocytelike disk cells. Keratan sulfate is a major constituent of proteoglycans. METHODS: We have radioiodinated a monoclonal antibody raised against keratan sulfate. This antibody was injected into rats (n = 6), and the biodistribution was studied. A model of intervertebral disk injury was developed, and two tail disks in each animal with both acute (2 wk old) and subacute (7 wk old) injuries were studied for in vivo antibody uptake. RESULTS: The biodistribution at 72 h was as follows: blood, 0.0018 percentage injected dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g); lung, 0.0106 %ID/g; esophagus, 0.0078 %ID/g; kidney, 0.0063 %ID/g; liver, 0.0047 %ID/g; spleen, 0.0046 %ID/g; heart, 0.0036 %ID/g; thyroid, 0.0034 %ID/g; muscle, 0.0017 %ID/g; and bone, 0.0016 %ID/g. In the subacute stage, a significant difference (P < 0.006) was found in antibody uptake between injured disks (n = 12) and adjacent healthy disks (n = 12). In vivo gamma imaging showed increased uptake in other animals having lumbar disk injuries (2, 7, and 17 d after injury). Cartilage tissue, such as the trachea, was studied separately and showed extremely high antibody uptake, 0.10 %ID/g. Rat trachea was also visualized on gamma images. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that antibodies against nucleus pulposus components, such as proteoglycans, can be used for in vivo detection of intervertebral disk injury. This finding is in spite of the minimal circulation present in intervertebral disks.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Canine intervertebral disks: correlation of anatomy and MR imaging.

Because the structure, maturation, and degeneration of canine intervertebral disks resemble those of humans, the authors developed a model of acute intervertebral disk degeneration in dogs. Herniated disks of 18 dogs were examined with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and then sectioned with a freezing microtome. On the basis of their morphologic appearance in the freezing microtome sections, most of the lumbar intervertebral disks could be categorized as one of six types. Each type has characteristic features and a distinctive appearance on MR images. Findings of this study--including decreased signal intensity from the intervertebral disk, altered signal intensity in contiguous bone marrow, bulging of the anulus fibrosus, herniation of the nucleus pulposus, and contrast enhancement after intravenous administration of gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)--resemble observations from human clinical studies. Classification of degenerating disks and identification of MR imaging characteristics of each type may improve the interpretation of MR images and recognition of early disk degeneration in humans.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Bladder function in patients with lumbar intervertebral disk protrusion.

PURPOSE: We prospectively studied the effect of lumbar intervertebral disk protrusion on bladder function. Cystometry findings were particularly examined according to spinal level of disk protrusion and urological symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 77 men and 37 women 25 to 63 years old with lumbar intervertebral disk protrusion. Urodynamic investigation included uroflowmetry and simultaneous recording of intravesical, abdominal and detrusor pressure during bladder filling and voiding. RESULTS: Detrusor areflexia was noted in 31 of the 114 patients (27.2%), while detrusor activity was normal in the remaining 83. According to the spinal level of disk protrusion, detrusor areflexia was evident in 3 of the 8 cases of L3, 10 of the 54 L4 and 18 of the 52 L5 disk protrusion. All 31 patients with detrusor areflexia reported difficult voiding with straining. CONCLUSIONS: Detrusor areflexia develops in approximately a quarter of the patients with lumbar intervertebral disk protrusion. We did not find that the spinal level of lumbar disk protrusion had an effect on detrusor activity. All patients with detrusor areflexia had voiding disorders that manifested as voiding with straining.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

The value of T2 relaxation times to characterize lumbar intervertebral disks: preliminary results.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The present standard for staging intervertebral disk degeneration is a discrete scale, consisting usually of 5 stages. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the use of T2 measurements as a continuous measure of intervertebral disk degeneration. METHODS: We obtained images in 5 volunteers with a 3D fast spin-echo sequence modified for the purpose of calculating T2 relaxation times from multiple echoes in the echo train. Disks were classified on the basis of conventional criteria into one of the 5 stages of disk degeneration. Average T2 values were calculated for stage II, III, and V disks, which were identified in the volunteers. Differences between the disk levels were analyzed with analysis of variance and differences between stages tested with a Student t test with significance set at the 0.01 level. RESULTS: In the 5 volunteers, 20 stage II, 4 stage III, and a single stage V disk were found. Contour plots showed the highest T2 values in the nucleus pulposus near the vertebral endplates and lower T2 values in the intranuclear cleft region and peripheral annulus fibrosus. Average T2 values were significantly lower in the type III and V disks than in the normal disks. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that intervertebral disks can be characterized and classified accurately by means of T2 values. More studies are warranted to determine the range of T2 values for normal disks.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Low back pain and the lumbar intervertebral disk: clinical considerations for the doctor of chiropractic.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain exists in epidemic proportions in the United States. Studies that demonstrate innervation to the intervertebral disk provide evidence that may account for instances of discogenic low back pain encountered in general medical and chiropractic practice. Many patients and health care practitioners believe that intervertebral disk lesions require surgery as the only method of treatment that will result in satisfactory outcome. Surgery rates vary widely across geographic regions. Only one randomized prospective study exists that compares surgical and nonsurgical treatment; it demonstrated essentially equal outcomes in the long run. OBJECTIVE: To review specific aspects of the examination, history, imaging, and treatment of patients with suspected intervertebral disk lesions and to provide guidelines for conservative management, imaging, and relative and absolute indications for surgical referral. DATA SOURCES: Review articles, texts, and original articles from indexed refereed sources that discuss the lumbar intervertebral disk in regard to patient history, physical examination, imaging, treatment, and referral for surgery. RESULTS: Patients with low back pain who do not present with so-called red flags (fever, history of cancer, unexplained weight loss, urinary tract infection, intravenous drug use, saddle anesthesia, or prolonged use of corticosteroids) may be treated initially with conservative methods. Imaging studies are helpful in determining the patient's diagnosis, and computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or other special imaging studies should be ordered judiciously. The only prospective, randomized study of conservative versus surgical management of herniated lumbar intervertebral disk lesions indicates both methods provide adequate outcome in the long run. Little consensus exists on the best method of management for patients with intervertebral disk lesions without absolute indications for surgery. CONCLUSION: Patients should be screened for "red flags" to determine whether they are candidates for conservative treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging is perhaps the most practical imaging study for evaluation of lumbar disk lesions because it involves no use of ionizing radiation and because magnetic resonance imaging has other advantages over computed tomographic scanning such as excellent delineation of soft tissue structures, direct multiplanar imaging, and excellent characterization of medullary bone. Provocation computed tomography-diskography is an invasive procedure and should be reserved for patients with normal magnetic resonance imaging findings and continuing severe pain who have not been helped by conservative treatment attempts and for whom surgical intervention is contemplated. Both conservative and surgical interventions have been shown to be effective in the treatment of discogenic and radicular pain syndromes.

Chiropractic↗

PubMed1997

Diffusion into human intervertebral disks studied with MR and gadoteridol.

PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility of measuring diffusion into human intervertebral disks by means of MR imaging with an intravenous nonionic gadolinium complex (gadoteridol). METHODS: In 18 patients undergoing lumbar spine MR imaging, signal intensity was measured in the intervertebral disks after a dose of 0.1 mmol/kg and after a supplemental dose of 0.2 mmol/kg. RESULTS: Signal intensity in the intervertebral disks increased with both gadoteridol doses. A greater increase was consistently achieved with the 0.3 mmol/kg (total) dose than with the 0.1 mmol/kg dose. The increase was greater near the endplates than in the midportion of the disk. CONCLUSION: Diffusion into human intervertebral disks can be detected with MR imaging after intravenous administration of gadoteridol. MR imaging with a paramagnetic contrast medium can be used to study diffusion into disk cartilage in vivo and noninvasively.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

Intervertebral disk prolapse and diskospondylitis in a horse.

Intervertebral disk prolapse was diagnosed in a mature horse with clinical signs of caudal ataxia. Radiography and myelography demonstrated a collapsed intervertebral space and loss of the dorsal and ventral dye columns. Results of CSF analysis were normal, as were a CBC and serum biochemical profile. High CSF WBC count and high CSF creatine kinase activity were noticed following acute neurologic deterioration. While common in certain breeds of dogs, intervertebral disk prolapse is rarely reported in horses. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of horses with caudal ataxia.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease: 69 cases (1997-2005).

OBJECTIVE: To determine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in dogs with intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) and develop a classification scheme for IVDD in dogs based on MRI findings. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 69 dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs admitted because of thoracolumbar IVDD in which MRI of T9 through L7 had been performed were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 759 intervertebral disk spaces were examined. Of these, 342 (45.1%) were classified as having a normal MRI appearance; the remaining 417 (54.9%) had various types of IVDD. Disk degeneration was identified in 276 disk spaces in 56 dogs, bulging of the intervertebral disk was identified in 37 disk spaces in 24 dogs, disk protrusion was identified in 54 disk spaces in 32 dogs, and disk extrusion was identified in 50 disk spaces in 48 dogs. Cartilage endplate changes were identified in 35 vertebrae in 17 dogs, and increased signal intensity of the spinal cord was identified in 21 dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Four types of IVDD (disk degeneration, bulging of the intervertebral disk, disk protrusion, and disk extrusion) were identified on the basis of MRI findings in dogs with thoracolumbar IVDD. We recommend that a standardized nomenclature be adopted for the various types of thoracolumbar IVDD in dogs.

Animals↗

PubMed1984

[Results of radiculomyelography with dimer-X following lumbar intervertebral disk operations].

In radiculomyelogram after operation of lumbar intervertebral disk has been investigated an adhesive arachnopathy in 24 out of 86 patients. It appears increased in patients with two operations of the intervertebral disk, revision of several intervertebral spaces and after massed prolapses. The etiological importance of hyperosmolar X-ray contrast media is comparatively slight. Characteristical clinical findings were not evident in patients with arachnopathy. In some patients the protein content in cerebrospinal fluid was raised, it could be observed as an unspecific reaction and a relative monocytosis in the cytogram. Two third of the patients with recurrent nucleus pulposus prolapse were diagnosed rightly by radiculomyelography, though there are difficulties in the differentiation of adhesive-fibrotic changes.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Use of the holmium yttrium aluminum garnet laser for percutaneous thoracolumbar intervertebral disk ablation in dogs.

OBJECTIVE-To evaluate a laser ablation-technique for treatment of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease in dogs. DESIGN-Prospective case series. ANIMALS-33 dogs with signs of recurrent back pain associated with intervertebral disk disease after the initial episode had been managed conservatively for a minimum of 2 weeks. PROCEDURE-Spinal needles were placed percutaneously through the annulus fibroses to permit delivery of an optical fiber into the nucleus pulposes of thoracolumbar intervertebral disks T10-11 through L3-4. Fluoroscopy was used to guide needle placement. Holmium yttrium aluminum garnet laser energy then was used to ablate the contents of each selected intervertebral disk. Intervals from time of treatment to time of assessment ranged from 3 to 114 weeks. RESULTS-All dogs recovered without complication. Results of follow-up radiography and histologic evaluation indicated that percutaneous holmium yttrium aluminum garnet laser ablation reduces the volume of nucleus pulposus in treated disks. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS-Used as a clinical treatment and prophylactically, this minimally invasive procedure should prevent further extrusion of partially herniated disks and should reduce the chances of subsequent herniation of disks at other treatment sites.

Animals↗