Research progress on spontaneous absorption phenomena of lumbar disc nucleus

Abstract

Objective To explore the research progress on spontaneous absorption phenomena of lumbar disc nucleus. Methods A computer-based online search of PubMed was undertaken to identify the articles about spontaneous absorption phenomena of lumbar disc nucleus published in English from January 1980 to October 2015, with the key words of disc herniation resorption, regression, resolution, disappearance . And the computer-based online search of CNKI database was also undertaken to identify relevant articles published in Chinese from January 1980 to October 2015, with the key words of 腰椎间盘突出症,自发吸收,消退,溶解,消失 . More than 270 articles about the spontaneous absorption phenomena of lumbar disc nucleus were selected and 26 articles published in authorized journals in recent years were selected and analyzed. Results The onset of spontaneous absorption of lumbar disc nucleus always occurred in the first six months. Sequestered disc prolapse was the most common type of spontaneous absorption, the complete posterior longitudinal ligament was one of the key factors that decided whether natural absorption or reduced. The mechanism of spontaneous absorption of herniated disc tissue was the procedure as followed, the herniated disc contact with the epidural blood supply through posterior longitudinal ligament, then caused the surrounding capillary in growth crawl, and triggered a series of immune response as foreign antigens, resulted in self-dissolution of the nucleus. Conclusions Spontaneous absorption is closely related to inflammation, blood vessels and anatomical factors; the first 6 months after surgery is active, sequestered disc prolapse is the most common type; although conservative treatment is effective, yet not necessary; surgery should be recommended if neural symptoms worsened. Key words: Intervertebral disc displacement; Autoimmunity; Spontaneous absorption; Nuovascularization, pathologic