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Innervation of the human vertebral body: a histologic study
M D Antonacci1, D R Mody, M H Heggeness
1Center for Orthopaedic Research and Education, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
Journal of Spinal Disorders
|January 12, 1999
Summary
This study reveals intraosseous nerves within human vertebral bodies, accompanying blood vessels. These nerves may influence bone physiology and contribute to back pain.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Histology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Previous research on bone innervation focused on long bones.
- Literature on human vertebral body innervation is sparse.
- Understanding vertebral innervation is crucial for bone physiology and back pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and document the presence and distribution of intraosseous nerves in human vertebral bodies.
- To explore the potential role of these nerves in bone regulation and back pain.
Main Methods:
- Histological analysis of 69 human vertebral bodies from 23 individuals.
- Hematoxylin and eosin staining for detailed tissue visualization.
- Preparation of complete, large histologic sections using specialized techniques.
Main Results:
- Routine identification of neurovascular bundles and intraosseous nerves within vertebral bone.
- Nerves were observed entering via posterior vascular foramina, accompanying basivertebral vessels.
- Nerves were also found entering through the anterior cortex into the marrow.
Conclusions:
- The human vertebral body is innervated by intraosseous nerves.
- These nerves may play a role in regulating bone physiology.
- Intraosseous nerves are a potential factor in the clinical manifestation of back pain.