Intervertebral disc degeneration - An autopsy study

This is an autopsy analysis of 126 thoracolumbar spines. Extensive histomorphological examination identified microscopic changes in the nucleus and annulus fibrosus before any gross or radiological changes were evident. Histomorphological evidence of microavulsion of the attachment of the annulus fibrosus from its mooring at the margin of the cartilaginous endplate of the vertebral body suggests that forces (compression, distraction, rotation) applied during movement are contributing factors to the pathogenesis of degenerative disc disease.