Morphological changes in disc herniation in the lower cervical spine: an ultrastructural study

Morphological changes in the human cervical intervertebral disc post trauma: response to fracture-type and degeneration grade over time

“…Interestingly, the histology of scoliotic discs presented some vessel ingrowths, some ruptures, but no granulation tissue in this young patient group [32]. Nor did degenerated discs obtained from herniated cervical discs present any granulation tissue in the anterior portion at any degeneration grade, but some vessel ingrowths were surrounded by rare fibrocystic cell invasion [11]. Kokubo et al described granulation tissue surrounding the hernia in degenerated discs [36].…”

“…This was not seen in highly degenerated discs. It must be assumed that highly degenerated discs have higher necrosis values prior to trauma [1,11]. The pathology of degeneration and herniation presented high necrosis values in all compartments of the disc and was similar for all degeneration grades (II-V) [11].…”

“…(d) Balloon cell A rounded homogeneous nucleus (euchromatin) surrounded by an osmiophilic dark nuclear envelope, frequently presenting a nucleolus. Various amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER), mitochondria and a Golgi apparatus observed [11].…”

“…Cytoplasmic changes varied from mainly intact membrane structures of organelles to severe necrotic changes, with a complete loss of membranes and organelles [10]. In contrast, discs with the pathology of degeneration and herniation presented less apoptosis/chondroptosis [11]. Moreover, in low grade degenerated herniated discs (DG II/III), the balloon cell was routinely found in the iAF and presented itself viable, with the ability to proliferate into clusters [11].…”

“…In contrast, discs with the pathology of degeneration and herniation presented less apoptosis/chondroptosis [11]. Moreover, in low grade degenerated herniated discs (DG II/III), the balloon cell was routinely found in the iAF and presented itself viable, with the ability to proliferate into clusters [11]. Such nucleus morphologies are seen in many tissues of high activity, e.g., plasma cells of Multiple Myeloma [12].…”