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 intervertebral disc. |
The tissue located in the center of
the intervertebral disc, the nucleus pulposus, is partially extruded
from the intervertebral 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 intervertebral 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
intervertebral 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.
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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 interpreted
or applied only by the appropriate health professional(s).
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