Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Studies demonstrated that vertebral endplate can be remodeled during intervertebral disc degeneration. However, the relationship between morphology of the vertebral endplate and intervertebral disc degeneration remains poorly understood.   
OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the morphology of the vertebral endplate and the lumbar disc herniation. 
METHODS: Forty cases without previous spine disorder and sixty-two cases symptomatic lumbar disc herinations lumbar vertebral were scanned by using spiral CT. Scan range was from superior L₄ to superior S₂. Scan protocols as below: 140 kV,  345 mAs, FOV 160 mm, layer of thick 1 mm, pitch 1.0. Original images were carried through three-dimensional reconstructions using O2 image work station, W300, C80, ZOOM=1.5, Expand 1. Intervertebral disc maximum anteroposterior, transverse diameter, circumference, area and shape were measured based on curve planar reconstruction.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Endplate shape was strongly related to disc herniation (all the P value < 0.01). Endplate area was a less significant factor L _4/5 in men and L₅/S₁ in men and females (P < 0.05). The shape of the intervertebral body endplate margin is an important factor contributing to the development of disc herniation at L _4/5 and L₅/S₁.