Abstract
Degenerative diseases of the spine consist of various processes that depend on the anatomically involved portion. Thus, there may be degeneration of the intervertebral disc and endplates or of the intervertebral joints. Activated intervertebral or facet-joint osteoarthrosis may become symptomatic due to an increased stimulation of sensitive nerve endings by synovitis and fibrovascular tissue. Facet joint osteoarthrosis can also be responsible for central spinal canal stenosis and stenosis of the recess or narrowing of the neuroforamen. Degeneration of the intervertebral disc can result in annular tears and disc herniation, with compromise or compression of the nerve roots. Dehydration and disintegration of the disc tissue leads to increased segmental mobility. In some patients, instability with symptomatic osteochondrosis (activated erosive intervertebral osteochondrosis) develops.
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Stäbler, A. (2009). Degenerative Diseases of the Spine. In: Hodler, J., Zollikofer, C.L., Von Schulthess, G.K. (eds) Musculoskeletal Diseases 2009–2012. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-1378-0_22
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-1378-0_22
Publisher Name: Springer, Milano
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