Lumbar intervertebral disc anatomy, biomechanics and pathogenesis of nerve root compression

Lumbar intervertebral disc anatomy, biomechanics and pathogenesis of nerve root compression

1. Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Anatomy, Biomechanics and Pathogenesis of Nerve Root Compression By Dr Kota Gandhi II yr PG Orthopaedics Kamineni Institute Of Medical Sciences

2. Lumbar Spine Alignment

3. Lumbar Pedicle Anatomy

4. Ligaments

5. Ligamenta flava

6. Supraspinous Ligament and Ligamentum Nauchae

7. Interspinous Ligament

8. Intervertebral disc

9. A healthy, well-hydrated disc will contain a great deal of water in its center, known as the nucleus purposes which provides cushioning and flexibility for the spine. Much of the mechanical stress that is caused by everyday movements is transferred to the discs within the spine and the water content within them allows them to effectively absorb the shock.

10. At birth, a typical human nucleus pulposus will contain about 80% water. However natural daily stresses and minor injuries can cause these discs to gradually lose water as the annulus fibrosus or the rigid outer shell of a disc, weakens. This water loss makes the discs less flexible and results in the gradual collapse and narrowing of the gap in the spinal column.

11. As the space between vertebrae gets smaller, extra pressure can be placed on the discs causing tiny cracks or tears to appear in the anulus . If enough pressure is exerted, it's possible for the nucleus pulposus material to seep out through the tears in the anulus and can cause what is known as a herniated disc.

12. As the two vertebrae above and below the affected disc begin to collapse upon each other, the facet joints at the back of the spine are forced to shift which can affect their function.

13. Fibrocartilage replaces the gelatinous mucoid material of the nucleus pulposus as the disc changes with age. There may be splits in the anulus fibrosus , permitting herniation of elements of nucleus pulposus . There may also be shrinkage of the nucleus pulposus that produces prolapse or folding of the anulus fibrosus with secondary osteophyte formation at the margins of the adjacent vertebral body.

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