Summary
The neurocentral cartilage (NCC) described by Schmorl [14] as an intermediate cartilage has aroused discussion among numerous authors as to its role, its age of closure and its possible involvment in the genesis of scoliosis. The authors have attempted to define these problems on the basis of a histologic study of 20 vertebral specimens of different ages and a scanographic study of 25 children. The NCC remains open until adolescence and even beyond, but its maximal activity is probably around 5–6 years. Part of its function is to ensure growth of the posterior arch. Finally, the scanograms of scoliosis show the NCC to be more widely open on the concave side, as if this remained active for a longer period.
Résumé
Le cartilage neurocentral (CNC) décrit par Schmorl [14] comme cartilage intermédiaire a suscité des discussions entre de nombreux auteurs quant à son rôle, son âge de fermeture et son intervention probable dans la genèse de la scoliose. Les auteurs ont voulu préciser ces interrogations grâce, d'une part, à une étude histologique de 20 pièces vertébrales d'âges différents et, d'autre part, grâce à une étude scanographique de 25 enfants. Ainsi, le CNC reste ouvert jusqu'à l'adolescence et même audelà, mais son activité maximale est probable aux alentours de 5–6 ans. Il agit en assurant, en partie, la croissance de l'arc postérieur. Enfin, les scanographies de scoliose montrent, du côté concave, un CNC plus largement ouvert comme si ce dernier était actif plus longtemps.
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Vital, J.M., Beguiristain, J.L., Algara, C. et al. The neurocentral vertebral cartilage: Anatomy, physiology and physiopathology. Surg Radiol Anat 11, 323–328 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02098705
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02098705