3D Virtual Reconstruction and Quantitative Assessment of the Human Intervertebral Disc's Annulus Fibrosus: a DTI Tractography Study

Overview

Journal Sci Rep

Specialty Science

Date 2021 Mar 26

PMID 33767347

Citations 7

Authors

Dan Stein

Yaniv Assaf

Gali Dar

Haim Cohen

Viviane Slon

Einat Kedar

Bahaa Medlej

Janan Abbas

Ori Hay

Daniel Barazany

Israel Hershkovitz

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The intervertebral disc's (IVD) annulus fibrosus (AF) retains the hydrostatic pressure of the nucleus pulposus (NP), controls the range of motion, and maintains the integrity of the motion segment. The microstructure of the AF is not yet fully understood and quantitative characterization is lacking, leaving a caveat in modern medicine's ability to prevent and treat disc failure (e.g., disc herniation). In this study, we show a reconstruction of the 3D microstructure of the fibers that constitute the AF via MRI diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) followed by fiber tracking. A quantitative analysis presents an anisotropic structure with significant architectural differences among the annuli along the width of the fibrous belt. These findings indicate that the outer annuli's construction reinforces the IVD while providing a sufficient degree of motion. Our findings also suggest an increased role of the outer annuli in IVD nourishment.

Citing Articles

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