Abnormal Spinal Anatomy |
Ruptured
Disc:
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 These
drawings 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.
We
are often asked the difference between a
herniated disc and a bulging disc. A
bulging disc is a slight protrusion of the center
of the disc (nucleus pulposus) into the spinal canal.
In a bulging disc, the annulus fibrosus (outer ring)
has not been ruptured.
A disc herniation is a large protrusion of the nucleus pulposus (center of the
disc), which has burst through the annulus
fiborsus (outer ring of the disc) into the spinal canal, invading the
surrounding nerves and causing pain in the extremities.
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 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.
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Scoliosis:
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Spondylolisthesis:
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Kyphosis:
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 This
picture depicts the spinal deformity Kyphosis. Kyphosis is
an abnormal increase in normal kyphotic (posterior) curvature
of the thoracic spine which can result in a noticeable
round back deformity. Many times patients report that they
"can't stand up straight" or are always slouching. Review
Kyphosis surgical cases Dr. Pashman has performed. |
Lordosis:
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 Lordosis
is the abnormal increase in normal lordotic (anterior)
curvature of the lumbar spine. This can also lead to noticeable
"sway back". |
Arthritis:
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 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. |
Related links:
Normal anatomy
Cervical Anatomy
Lumbar Anatomy
Why a Spine Surgeon?
Lumbar herniated
disc
Cervical herniated disc
Glossary of terms
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An
abnormal spinal condition known as scoliosis is shown
in this drawing. Scoliosis is a lateral (sideways)
curvature of the spine. In the United States, children
are screened for scoliosis with a 
Spondylolisthesis
is an abnormal spinal condition in which one vertebra
slips or is displaced over another vertebra. The
drawing shows spondylolisthesis as a result of a
lumbar vertebra (L5) slipping over the sacrum (S1). There
are two classifications of Spondylolisthesis: 