Intervertebral disc space
Encyclopedia
The intervertebral disc space is typically defined on an X-ray
photograph as the space between adjacent vertebrae. In healthy patients, this corresponds to the size of the intervertebral disc
. The size of the space can be altered in pathological conditions such as discitis
(infection of the intervertebral disc).
Richardson, M.D., depicting healthy disk spaces.
X-ray
X-radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation. X-rays have a wavelength in the range of 0.01 to 10 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30 petahertz to 30 exahertz and energies in the range 120 eV to 120 keV. They are shorter in wavelength than UV rays and longer than gamma...
photograph as the space between adjacent vertebrae. In healthy patients, this corresponds to the size of the intervertebral disc
Intervertebral disc
Intervertebral discs lie between adjacent vertebrae in the spine. Each disc forms a cartilaginous joint to allow slight movement of the vertebrae, and acts as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together.-Structure:...
. The size of the space can be altered in pathological conditions such as discitis
Discitis
Discitis or diskitis is an infection in the intervertebral disc space that affects different age groups, but usually spontaneously affects children under 8 years of age. Nonetheless, discitis occurs post surgically in approximately 1-2 percent of patients status post spine surgery.-Signs and...
(infection of the intervertebral disc).
External links
- Radiographic Anatomy of the Skeleton by Michael L.
Richardson, M.D., depicting healthy disk spaces.
- Learning Radiography X-ray photograph of a patient with discitis.