Synthesis of the 18th ArgoSpine Symposium.

The subject of this 18th Symposium of ArgoSpine Association was the space of the intervertebral discs. Space of the intervertebral discs must be initially defined anatomically and histologically. A geometrical rebuilding in 3D is possible and must allow a modeling of the intervertebral discs. The physiology of the disc, its nutrition, must be known, in particular that of the center of the disc. The disc constitutes the base of the balance of the rachis, balances which can be only dynamic. The degenerative cascade by the loss of the proteoglycans involves the loss of the biomechanical properties of the disc. The consequences of this degenerative cascade are the base of all the vertebral pathology of origin of the intervertebral discs and even of the posterior articular facets. The origin of the pains and the diagnosis, especially at the lumbar level, are studied by the speakers. Traumatology of the intervertebral discs is the object of a particular chapter. Finally, the average therapeutic ones, that is, decompression of the intervertebral discs, fusion of the intervertebral discs, the recovery of mobility of the intervertebral discs, and the capacity of restoration of space of the intervertebral discs, are studied in detail. The infection of the disc is studied in detail.