Features:
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 The drawings to the right and below
represent the appearance of a herniated or ruptured disc. Both drawings
show the disruption of the annulus fibrosus, the outer ring-like portion
of an inter1vertebral disc.
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The tissue located in the center of the
inter1vertebral disc, the nucleus pulposus, is partially extruded from
the inter1vertebral disc. The extruded nucleus pulposus material can
exert pressure on nerves thus causing pain, numbness, and muscle
weakness due to nerve damage. |
An abnormal spinal condition known as
scoliosis is shown in this drawing. Scoliosis is a lateral (sideways)
curvature of the spine. |
This drawing represents the spinal
condition of lordosis. Lordosis is the abnormal increase in normal
lordotic (anterior) curvature of the lumbar spine. This can lead to a
noticeable "sway-back" appearance. |
This drawing illustrates degenerative
and hypertrophic arthritis between the 3rd, 4th, and 5th lumbar
vertebrae, as well as the lumbosacral joint (L5-S1 disc space). The
degeneration of the inter1vertebral discs has reduced the height of the
discs.
There are bone spurs or hypertrophic
bone adjacent to the discs and hypertrophic arthritis of the facet
joints. This results in reduced range of motion of the spine. Also, the
hypertrophic bone and narrowing of the inter1vertebral foramen can
produce nerve root impingement thereby causing back and leg pain, as
well as numbness and weakness of leg muscles. |
Call 412-630-7640 or
1-877-635-5234 with questions.
Disclaimer:
Every effort has been made by the author (s) to provide accurate, up-to-date
information. However, the medical knowledge base is dynamic and errors can
occur. By using the information contained herein, the viewer willingly
assumes all risks in connection with such use. Neither the author Tri-State
Neurosurgical Associates-UPMC nor UPMC shall be held responsible for errors,
omissions in information herein nor liable for any special, consequential,
or exemplary damages resulting, in whole or in part, from any viewer(s)' use
of or reliance upon, this material.
CLINICAL DISCLAIMER:
Clinical information is provided for educational purposes and not as a
medical or professional service. Person(s) who are not medical professionals
should have clinical information reviewed and inter1preted or applied only by
the appropriate health professional(s).
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