Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2010, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (26): 4841-4844.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010.26.022

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Imaging and histological features of intervertebral disc under injured vertebral body in Denis type B thoracolumbar burst fracture  

Zhang Liang1, Jin An-min2, Gao Liang-bin1, Li Jian1, Zhang Zhi1   

  1. 1Department of Orthopedics, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou  510150, Guangdong Province, China;
    2Orthopedics Center, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou  510282, Guangdong Province, China
  • Online:2010-06-25 Published:2010-06-25
  • About author:Zhang Liang, Master, Associate chief physician, Department of Orthopedics, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou 510150, Guangdong Province, China zldxx861@sina.com
  • Supported by:

    the Medical Health Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou, No. 2009-YB-165*

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of vertebral disc under the vertebral body facilitates selection of treatments. Currently, studies of Denis type B fracture intervertebral disc appearance and function in vertebral burst fractures are few.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the imaging and histological features of vertebral disc under the vertebral body of Denis type B thoracolumbar burst fracture, to further evaluate the effect of preserving the vertebral disc under the injured vertebral body.

METHODS: A total of 18 cases with Denis type B thoracolumbar burst fracture underwent X-ray, CT, and MRI examination. The anterior and posterior margin of intervertebral height under the injured vertebral body were accessed and compared with the normal height of intervertebrae by X-ray. Oner classification was performed based on the outcome of MRI examination. The signal intensity of nucleus pulposus (NP), annulus fibrosus (AF) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on T2WI in sagittal position was measured, respectively. The ratio of signal intensity for NP/CSF and AF/CSF was calculated. The tissue of interested and normal vertebral disc was collected and measured by hematoxylin-eosin staining and alcian blue staining (absorbance value). The outcomes of staining were measured by Norbert Boos score.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The anterior and posterior margin of intervertebral height under the injured vertebral body was not significantly different compared with the normal intervertebrae by X-ray (P > 0.05). According to Oner classification, all the vertebral discs under the injured vertebral body of 18 cases were in type Ⅰ, i.e., the vertebral disc was normal or near-normal, and there were no vertebral disc of type Ⅱ - Ⅴ. The signal intensity ratio of AF/CSF, the signal intensity ratio of NF/CSF for the vertebral disc under the injured vertebral body displayed no significant differences compared with the normal ratio of NF/CSF (P > 0.05). Norbert Boos histological score and the absorbance values of alcian blue staining of the interested vertebral disc were similar to the normal one (P > 0.05). The vertebral disc under the injured vertebral body remained no obvious damage, and the structure was examined by X-ray, CT, and MR. Histological analysis shows that the vertebral disc could be preserved.

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