Biomechanics of the lumbar degenerative intervertebral disk

Abstract

Degenerative lumbar disc disease is one of the most common causes of low back pain and disability in patients above 45 years of age. Diagnosis and treatment of lumbar herniated discs remain perplexing at times. MRI is the imaging study of choice for the identification of herniated lumbar discs; however, there remains only a moderate correlation between imaging findings and patients’ symptoms. Disc degeneration is a broad term that includes a variety of changes noted in gross specimens and radiographs from patients with clinical dysfunction. These changes may lead to derangement of the normal biomechanics of the lumbar spine, such as pathological and dysfunctional intervertebral motion-with a commensurate clinical response.