Fibrocartilage disc between vertebral bodies
Expansion
Intervertebral Disc
Purpose
Assess for herniation, extrusion, bulge, degeneration
Clinical Context
Intervertebral disc includes nucleus pulposus (gelatinous centre) plus annulus fibrosus (fibrous ring). Herniation risk shows L4 to L5 greater than L5 to S1. Magnetic resonance imaging best for soft disc pathology.
Related Terms
- Disc herniation
- Stenosis
Key Points
- Disc herniation classified as bulge less than 25 percent disc margin, protrusion greater than 25 percent but not through posterior longitudinal ligament, extrusion equals through ligament