CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

During life of an individual the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral discs can be displaced causing the so-called herniated discs. These displacements can occur both horizontally and/or vertically, being the latter ones the cause of the most visible lesions in bony remains. In this paper we propose to evaluate the frequency of this pathology in several historic-contemporary osteological collections. It also seeks to discuss the observed skeletal evidence (Schmörl nodes) and their relationship to risk factors. Four well-documented skeletal collections were evaluated, each one belongs to a the Universityies: of La Plata (Argentina), Granada (Spain), Valladolid (Spain) and Coimbra (Portugal). Vertebrae of 100 both sex adults were observed. Through macroscopic observation and a magnifying glass a descriptive analysis of the material was performed. Impressions of the surfaces of endplates, that reflect the protrusion of the nucleus pulposus, wereas performed registered. The registration of the lesions was done schematically segmenting the dorsal and ventral vertebral side in three areas: center, canal and periphery, whereas lesions were classified as small (Grade 1) or large (Grade 2) depending on the depth and the extension of the injured area. The results showed differences in the prevalence (27% for La Plata, 48% for Coimbra; 55% for Granada; 51% for Valladolid), without great differences between sex. Lower thoracic and upper lumbar area was more frequently affected, whereas there was no involvement in cervical area. The center of the vertebra was the area where a larger number of Schmörl nodes were found. Genetic predisposition, aging and, in lesser degree, mechanical stress would be the main risk factors for the emergence and development of herniated disc.

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