Morphology of the thoracic intervertebral disc in the adult spine

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the morphology of the thoracic intervertebral disc (IVD) in the adult spine.IntroductionThere is a paucity of research available regarding the structure of the thoracic intervertebral disc. Despite this, a knowledge and understanding of morphology provides the clinician with a better understanding of regional function and pathology.MethodologyThe morphology of the intervertebral disc of 8 embalmed spines was studied via micro‐dissection of the posterior aspect of the motion segment. As a control of dissection technique one cervical spine and two lumbar segments were micro‐dissected and compared to published findings. Spines were removed from the donor using a posterior approach and were cleaned of superficial soft tissue and sectioned transversely through even numbered vertebral bodies. The posterior neural arch was removed via paracoronal sectioning and the costovertebral joint accessed. The posterior longitudinal ligament was removed in sequential layer dissection. The superior vertebral body was resected down to the vertebral endplate which was then cleared via curette. Results were journal and photo documented.ResultsThe thoracic IVD demonstrates a morphological structure that is unique to other regions. Horizontal cleft fissuring as demonstrated in the cervical spine was significantly less developed and limited to the costovertebral region with no posterior midline migration. One spine failed to reveal fissuring. There was a high rate of end plate defects and variable nuclear fibrosis.ConclusionsThe thoracic IVD is a morphologically distinct structure from the adjacent cervical and lumbar spines.Grant Funding Source: NA