The histologic structure of 104 lumbar irıtervertebral discs from 21 cadaveric spines was compared with discographic (DG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings to improve their interpretation. Furthermore the histology of herniated and non-herniated discs from elderly persons vvas studied. Using specific stains the annulus fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus were investigated for degenerative and regenerative altera-tions. DG revealed high sensitivity only for late and highly pathologic alterations. MRI's sensitivity for nuclear degenerative alterations was higher than DG's. None of the two radiographic medhods achieved satisfactory sensitivity for annutar tears and dissociation. High specificity (1,0 with MRI; 0,8 with DG) vvas only achieved for the loss of acid mucopotysaccharides (MPS) in nucleus.
Herniated discs of the elderly revealed increased degeneration of the nucleus pulposus. Reduced collagen fibers and scars as well as increased tears and dissociation vvhere found in the annulus fibrosus of herniated discs. A considerable increase of morphologically regenerative processes in the annulus and nucleus of herniated discs vvas seen.
Keywords: Histologic disc pathology, magnetic resonance imaging, discography, lumbar disc hernia-tion.