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Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration
Published on: July 8, 2021
Calcium phosphate microcrystal deposition in the human intervertebral disc
Robert S Lee1, Mike V Kayser, S Yousuf Ali
1Institute of Orthopaedics, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, UK. leerobert9@hotmail.com
Journal of Anatomy
|January 20, 2006
Summary
Magnesium whitlockite and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals were found in human intervertebral discs. These crystal deposits were associated with degenerate discs and necrotic cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomineralization research
- Connective tissue pathology
- Skeletal biology
Background:
- Crystals like calcium phosphate are found in connective tissues.
- Magnesium whitlockite microcrystals are present in femoral cartilage.
- Their presence in the intervertebral disc is not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of calcium phosphate crystals in human intervertebral discs.
- To identify specific crystal types and their locations within the disc.
- To correlate crystal deposition with disc degeneration.
Main Methods:
- Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used.
- Electron probe analysis was employed for crystal identification.
- Degenerate and scoliotic human intervertebral discs were examined.
Main Results:
- Magnesium whitlockite cuboid microcrystals were identified in degenerate discs.
- These crystals were found in the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus.
- Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition was also observed in one degenerate disc.
Conclusions:
- This is the first report of whitlockite in the human intervertebral disc.
- Crystal deposition was associated with degenerate discs and necrotic cells.
- Further research is needed to understand the role of these crystals in disc pathology.
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