Intervertebral osteochondrosis is the pathologic degenerative process involving the intervertebral disc and the respective vertebral body endplates (not necessarily symptomatic). It is believed to be different and a further stage of spondylosis deformans, which is a consequence of normal aging.
Terminology
Intervertebral osteochondrosis should not be confused with the general use of "osteochondrosis", which is a generic term given to a group of disorders that affect the progress of bone growth by bone necrosis.
Radiographic features
Intervertebral osteochondrosis is characterized by disc space narrowing, severe disc fissuring, vacuum phenomenon, endplate cartilage erosions, and vertebral body reactive changes (osteophytes and Modic changes).
1. Fardon D, Williams A, Dohring E, Murtagh F, Gabriel Rothman S, Sze G. Lumbar Disc Nomenclature: Version 2.0: Recommendations of the Combined Task Forces of the North American Spine Society, the American Society of Spine Radiology and the American Society of Neuroradiology. Spine J. 2014;14(11):2525-45. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2014.04.022 - Pubmed
2. Middleton K & Fish D. Lumbar Spondylosis: Clinical Presentation and Treatment Approaches. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2009;2(2):94-104. doi:10.1007/s12178-009-9051-x - Pubmed
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