Lumbar Intervertebral Disc and Discovertebral Segment, Part 1: An Imaging Review of Normal Anatomy

Abstract

The intervertebral disc is designated the most important cartilaginous articulation of the vertebral column that functions to withstand compressive biomechanical forces and confer strength and flexibility to the spine. A thorough study of the complex fine structure and anatomic relationships of the intervertebral disc is essential for the characterization of the integrity of each individual structure in the discovertebral segment. This elaborate work in human cadavers explores the sophisticated internal structure of the normal intervertebral disc and the discovertebral segment, providing detailed data derived from the dissection of specimens through imaging and close anatomic-histologic correlation. Familiarity with the normal appearances and basic functional properties of the lumbar intervertebral disc and discovertebral segment is fundamental for the recognition of aberrations that may have important clinical implications in patients with low back pain. In Part I of this article, the anatomic structure and features of the discovertebral complex in adults will be described.