Discogenic vertebral sclerosis

Narrowing of a disc space, sclerosis of the adjacent vertebral bodies, and irregularity of the vertebral end plates constitute a roentgen complex classically associated with infectious spondylitis. However, narrowing of a disc space may be the result of a herniated nucleus pulposus, and in some individuals the reactive sclerosis is sufficiently intense to resemble infection. Roentgenographic recognition of discogenic vertebral sclerosis may obviate the need for further evaluation and biopsy. Forty-four cases of discogenic vertebral sclerosis, nine with surgical proof and four developing after disc surgery, are presented. Roentgen signs helping to distinguish it from infection include: (i) rounded sclerosis most frequently in the anterior vertebral body (100%), (ii) central lucency in the sclerosis (77%), (iii) associated degenerative changes at the intervertebral disc, e.g. vacuum phenomena (44%), (iv) absence of a para-spinal mass and (v) maintenance of vertebral body height.