Disc degeneration in the thoracolumbar junctional region. Evaluation by radiography and discography in autopsy.

Disc dimensions and lengths of spondylophytes in the thoracolumbar junctional region (T 10-L 1) of 37 male cadaveric spines were measured from conventional radiographs. The disc degeneration was assessed by discography. The surface areas of the spondylophytes at vertebral body margins were recorded directly from the bones of 24 of the spines.

Facet joint orientation, facet and costovertebral joint osteoarthrosis, disc degeneration, vertebral body osteophytosis, and Schmorl's nodes in the thoracolumbar junctional region of cadaveric spines.

The disc degeneration in the thoracolumbar junctional region (T10-L1) of 37 male cadaveric spines was recorded with the use of discography. From 24 of these spines the facet joint orientation and degenerative findings of the facet and costovertebral joints, vertebral bodies (osteophytosis) and discs, and Schmorl's nodes were recorded directly from bones. At T11-12, the most common site for the transitional zone between thoracic and lumbar facet type, there was a marked variation in the orientation of facets.

Plain radiographic, discographic, and direct observations of Schmorl's nodes in the thoracolumbar junctional region of the cadaveric spine.

The perceivability of Schmorl's nodes in plain radiographs and discograms in the thoracolumbar junctional region (T10-L1) of the cadaveric spine was assessed by comparing the radiologic measurements with bone measurements. Schmorl's nodes in bone specimens were encountered in 19 of 24 spines studied. They were more than two times as common between vertebrae T10-11 and T11-12 as between T12 and L1 (P less than 0.

The value of the axial view in assessing discograms. An experimental study with cadavers.

The clinical value of discography is controversial. An axial view of a discogram such as could be obtained with CT scans should increase the structural information regarding disc pathology, and clarify the relationship to disease of the facet joints as well. To evaluate this concept, 103 intervertebral levels in 23 cadaver specimens were studied by anteroposterior, lateral, and axial roentgenographic views.

Radiographic vs. direct measurements of the spinal canal of the thoracolumbar junctional region (T10-L1) of the spine.

Midsagittal diameter (MSD) and interpedicular distance (IPD) in the thoracolumbar junctional region (T10-L1) of 24 male cadaveric spines were measured both from radiographs and directly from bones after removal of the soft tissues in order to assess the accuracy of plain radiographs. In addition surface areas of the vertebral canals were measured also from bone samples. It was found that the mean difference between bone and radiographic measurements in the IPD on different vertebral levels was 1.