Measurement of in vivo intradiscal pressure in healthy thoracic intervertebral discs.

Study Design: In vivo pressures were measured in radiologically healthy middle and lower thoracic discs in 6 adult volunteers.

Objectives: To quantify and compare intradiscal pressures from the middle and lower thoracic spine during various body positions and maneuvers, and to investigate the potential variation of these pressures with orientation of the measurement transducer.

Summary Of Background Data: In vivo intradiscal pressures have been reported for the lumbar spine; however, the authors are unaware of any studies presenting intradiscal pressures in the thoracic spine.