Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration
Published on: July 8, 2021
Pathogenesis of the discal cysts communicating with an adjacent herniated disc. Histological and ultrastructual
Shigeru Kobayashi1, Kenichi Takeno, Kenzo Uchida
1Faculty of Medical Science, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Medicine, 23-3 Shimoaizuki, Matsuoka, Eiheiji, Fukui, 910-1193 Japan. kshigeru@u-fukui.ac.jp
Abstract:
Discal cyst of the lumbar spine is a very rare cause of back pain and sciatica. We report two cases of discal cysts communicating with an adjacent herniated disc. From CT and MRI findings, they were diagnosed as having a discal cyst in the epidural space, which compressed the nerve root. After an adequate surgical field was obtained with a microscope and a Casper retractor, the discal cyst could be excised and satisfactory decompression of the adjacent nerve root was obtained. From histological and electron microscopic study, the presence of residual herniated tissues was confirmed in the cyst wall. Macrophages played an important role in the absorption of herniated tissue and the formation of the discal cyst. Hemorrhage in the cyst wall will make the serous hemorrhagic fluid-filled cystic structure in the absorbed spaces of the prolapsed disc. In this study, we confirmed that the discal cyst could have developed from the absorption process of a disc herniation.
Related Concept Videos
Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Diverticular Disease of the Colon
Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary or...