[The strength of the elements of the human spinal column and the problems of the etiology, pathogenesis and principles of the treatment of degenerative spinal lesions].

The study was made of strength characteristics of the vertebra and intervertebral disks of moving parts of human spine in postembryonic ontogenesis. The authors have obtained statistically significant data on degenerative dystrophic changes and lesions of human spine. Pathogenetic issues, conservative and surgical treatment policies in degenerative lesions are considered.

[Method of combined surgical treatment of compression forms of lumbar osteochondrosis with alloprosthesis of damaged intervertebral disks].

A method of surgical treatment of compressive forms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar portion of the vertebral column is described, the said method being based on the employment of a prosthetic replacement of the intervertebral disks with a promptly hardening polyurethane SKU-PFL. Along with the decompression of nervous and vascular structures in the vertebral canal the introduced technique permits to correct the stato-dynamic incompetance of the spine. 62 patients were followed-up for up to 5 years.