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Updated: May 21, 2026
06:22
Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration
Published on: July 8, 2021
Imaging the intervertebral disk: age-related changes, herniations, and radicular pain
Filippo Del Grande1, Timothy P Maus, John A Carrino
1Section of Musculoskeletal Radiology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. fdelgra1@jhmi.edu
Radiologic Clinics of North America
|May 31, 2012
Summary
Age-related changes in spinal discs can lead to herniation. This article reviews imaging techniques for diagnosing disc herniation and its clinical significance.
Area of Science:
- Spinal imaging
- Radiology of degenerative spine disease
Background:
- Spinal motion segments, including intervertebral discs and zygapophyseal joints, experience age-related changes.
- Weakening of the posterior annulus can result in disc herniation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the imaging of age-related intervertebral disc changes and disc herniation.
- To discuss nomenclature, imaging modalities, natural history, and clinical significance of disc herniations.
Main Methods:
- Review of imaging modalities for intervertebral disc herniation.
- Analysis of nomenclature and diagnostic reliability.
Main Results:
- Herniation can occur as a contained protrusion or extrusion.
- Imaging modalities have varying reliability and merits for diagnosing disc herniation.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the imaging characteristics of disc herniation is crucial for clinical management.
- Age-related disc degeneration necessitates careful evaluation of herniation.
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