INTERVERTEBRAL DISC (IVD) are located between the concave articular surfaces of the vertebral body endplates. IVDs form the most important and unique articulating system in the spine, allowing for multiplanar motion.
These
fibrocarilaginous, composite structures make up one fourth of the total
length of the spinal column. Discs are present from the C2-C3 interbody
space to the L5-S1 interbody space. There is no disc between the skull
(C0) and the atlas (C1), nor is there a true disc between the atlas (C1)
and the axis (C2).
Intervertebral discs
are the cartilaginous joints of motion segments. A motion segment is
composed of two adjacent vertebrae, the disc between them, the
connecting capsular facet joints and the ligamentous structures attached
to the vertebrae.
Each
disc permits slight flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation and
some circum-duction. Movement at a single motion segment is limited, but
since motion segments are stacked on top of each other, considerable
movement throughout the spine is possible. The greatest range of motion
occurs in the cervical and lumbar areas, with smaller degrees of motion
in the thoracic region.
Intervertebral discs
are the largest avascular (without blood supply) structures in the
human body. The discs are composed of the annulus fibrosus and the
nucleus pulposus.
Reference information: ispine.com.hk
It
is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have
any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your
health, please consult your orthopedic doctors for diagnosis and treatment.
