Metaplastic proliferative fibrocartilage as an alternative concept to herniated intervertebral disc

It is hypothesized on the basis of experimental intervertebral disc degeneration that herniated disc is actually newly synthesized proliferative metaplastic fibrocartilage and not herniation of pre-existing disc tissue, particularly that of the nucleus pulposus. Human material in selected surgical t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inSpine (Philadelphia, Pa. 1976) Vol. 13; no. 9; p. 1055
Main Author Lipson, S J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.09.1988
Subjects
Adult
Cartilage - pathology
Collagen - analysis
Cross-Linking Reagents
Female
Humans
Intervertebral Disc - analysis
Intervertebral Disc - pathology
Intervertebral Disc Displacement - pathology
Male
Metaplasia
Middle Aged
Models, Biological
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Summary:It is hypothesized on the basis of experimental intervertebral disc degeneration that herniated disc is actually newly synthesized proliferative metaplastic fibrocartilage and not herniation of pre-existing disc tissue, particularly that of the nucleus pulposus. Human material in selected surgical tissues was examined to test this concept. Histology revealed evidence for proliferative fronts of fibroblastic cells in herniated discs with hypocellular interiors. Hydroxypyridinium cross-link assay was used to determine the maturity of the collagen. Results indicated, with statistical significance, that herniated disc is a younger tissue than in situ annulus fibrosis, and that herniated disc is not from the nucleus pulposus, thus supporting the hypothesis.
ISSN:0362-2436
DOI:10.1097/00007632-198809000-00014