Computerized tomography and biomechanics of lumbar discs

Ruptures or tears of the annulus fibers of the intervertebral disk have been implicated in low-back pain and are common characteristics of degenerated disks. There are differences in the biomechanical properties of normal and degenerated disks, but few studies have addressed differences in degree of degeneration. Several distinct types of annular tears have been described clinically and can be identified on routine computed tomography (CT) and MRI scans. Although annulus tears are thought to generate spinal instability, biomechanical quantification of the different types of tears needs to be completed. The biomechanical characteristics of lumbar intervertebral disks are delineated.<>