Vertebrae, Vertebral End Plates, and Disks: Concepts and Specific Pathologies

Area of Science:

• Spinal imaging and pathology
• Orthopedics
• Radiology

Background:

• The vertebral end plate is vital for spinal segment health, providing nutrition to the avascular intervertebral disc.
• Pathologies of the vertebral end plate can arise during embryonic development, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
• These pathologies compromise end plate integrity, potentially causing severe spinal diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review congenital, developmental, and degenerative disorders of the vertebral end plate.
• To discuss established and novel imaging techniques for evaluating the vertebral end plate.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on vertebral end plate disorders.
• Discussion of imaging modalities, including conventional and advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques like ultrashort echo time (US short TE) imaging.

Main Results:

• Identified various congenital (e.g., ossification disorders, persistent notochord) and developmental (e.g., growth plate slippage) pathologies affecting the vertebral end plate.
• Highlighted degenerative conditions like degenerative disc disease impacting end plate integrity in adults.
• Emphasized the utility of advanced imaging techniques, such as US short TE MRI, for detailed end plate visualization.

Conclusions:

• Vertebral end plate disorders encompass a range of conditions from congenital to degenerative.
• Accurate imaging of the vertebral end plate is essential for diagnosing and managing spinal diseases.
• Advanced MRI techniques offer improved visualization of the vertebral end plate, aiding in early detection and treatment planning.