Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
07:25
Ovine Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model Utilizing a Lateral Retroperitoneal Drill Bit Injury
Published on: May 25, 2017
A clinically useful classification of traumatic intervertebral disk lesions
Anna L Sander1, Helmut Laurer, Thomas Lehnert
1Department of Trauma, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. annalena.sander@kgu.de
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|February 26, 2013
Summary
A new classification system for traumatic disk lesions after vertebral fractures was developed. This grading system, based on MRI findings, shows high reliability and may aid surgical decision-making.
Area of Science:
- Spine Surgery
- Radiology
- Trauma Medicine
Background:
- Traumatic disk lesions accompanying vertebral fractures lack a comprehensive classification.
- This ambiguity complicates surgical intervention decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel, clinically applicable classification system for traumatic disk lesions following vertebral fractures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 204 disks in 102 patients with thoracolumbar fractures using MRI.
- Development of a four-grade classification system (0-3) based on disk signal alterations.
- Assessment of intra- and interobserver reliability using Cohen kappa coefficient.
Main Results:
- Grade 0 (uninjured): 28.9%, Grade 1 (disk edema): 4.9%, Grade 2 (bleeding/rupture): 25.5%, Grade 3 (displacement): 40.7%.
- High intra- and interobserver agreement (kappa = 0.96).
Conclusions:
- The proposed classification enhances communication between spine surgeons and radiologists.
- It has the potential to improve clinical decision-making in spine surgery.
- Further research is needed to confirm its clinical relevance.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...
01:23Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...
01:09Functional Classification of Joints
Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An immobile...
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An immobile...
01:21Cellular Injury II: Classification
Cellular injury is any process that disrupts a cell’s ability to maintain homeostasis, leading to structural or functional changes. It is broadly classified based on etiology (cause) and mechanism of damage.Classification by EtiologyCellular injury may result from several causes. Hypoxic injury happens due to reduced oxygen delivery, most commonly from inadequate blood supply, such as arterial obstruction; for example, coronary artery thrombosis can cause myocardial infarction. Chemical injury...
01:20Structural Classification of Joints
Joints, also known as articulations, are classified based on their structural characteristics, i.e., based on whether the articulating surfaces of the adjacent bones are directly connected by fibrous connective tissue or cartilage, or whether the articulating surfaces contact each other within a fluid-filled joint cavity. These differences serve to divide the joints of the body into three structural classifications.
A fibrous joint is where the adjacent bones are united by fibrous connective...
A fibrous joint is where the adjacent bones are united by fibrous connective...