Moens AJ, Magré J, Kruyt MC, Castelein RM, de Reuver S. Morphologic Changes of the Intervertebral Disk During Growth.
Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2024;
49:956-963. [PMID:
37584598 PMCID:
PMC11163889 DOI:
10.1097/brs.0000000000004795]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN
Cross-sectional.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe morphologic changes of the annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) in children during growth using magnetic resonance imaging.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA
Little is known of intervertebral disk (IVD) maturation as opposed to degeneration, such as changes in relative AF/NP proportions and orientation during growth. Studies suggest that IVD plays a role in the etiology of pediatric spinal deformities. Therefore, understanding the morphologic development of the AF and NP during growth is key.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An existing database of children aged 0 to 18 that had magnetic resonance imaging for indications unrelated to the spine were analyzed. The AF/NP were segmented semiautomatically from T1 to L5. The parameters: mean IVD height, cross-sectional area, slenderness (height/width ratio), volume (ratio), and relative position of the centroid of the NP within the IVD in three directions ( x , y , z ) were extracted, and compared between age, sex, and spinal level.
RESULTS
IVD height increased modestly and predominantly in the low-thoracic and lumbar spine during the first 5 to 10 years of life. Cross-sectional area and thus volume increased steadily at all levels throughout growth. IVD slenderness decreased sharply in the first years of life and remains relatively stable throughout the remainder of growth. IVDs were smaller and more slender in females, especially in the mid-thoracic spine at early adolescence. In the upper-thoracic and mid-thoracic spine the NP comprises 10% to 12% of total IVD volume during growth, this percentage increases in the low-thoracic and lumbar spine towards 20% to 25%. In the anterior-posterior direction, the position of the nucleus increasingly shifts with age, possibly in line with the developing sagittal profile of the spine.
CONCLUSION
This study describes the development of thoracic and lumbar IVDs during growth and may be used as a reference for future studies on the role of IVD in the etiology of disk-related disorders.
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