Observations of Cervical Intervertebral-Disc Lesions in Fractures and Dislocations

¹ 1405 East Ann Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan

This study reports the findings in the cervical intervertebral discs in fractures and dislocations examined through the anterior approach to the cervical spine. Injuries to the disc varied according to the mechanism of injury responsible for the dislocation.

The intervertebral disc is a most significant bond between the vertebrae and contributes a major degree of stability to the cervical spine. Loss of posterior supporting structures after laminectomy, especially if extensive, places abnormal stress on the intervertebral disc, which may give-way many years later, resulting in spontaneous dislocation and compromise of the spinal cord. In such instances the altered disc exhibits loss of elasticity of the annulus fibrosus, excessive mobility at the interspace, and a nucleus pulposus which is atrophic and mucoid in appearance.

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Technorati    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. S. Torg, H. Pavlov, M. J. O'Neill, C. E. Nichols III, and B. Sennett The axial load teardrop fracture: A biomechanical, clinical, and roentgenographic analysis Am. J. Sports Med., July 1, 1991; 19(4): 355 - 364. [Abstract] [PDF]