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Partial collapse of the L1 vertebra due to
a superior endplate failure in the same spine specimen. The inferior
part of the vertebra appears macroscopically normal. At the level of
the basivertebral vein outlet a focal osteolytic metastasis has
weakened the vertebra and caused a compression– fracture type of
failure of the superior endplate that detaches a triangular upper
posterior bony fragment (similar to triangular fragments in burst
fractures) that is rotated posteriorly into the vertebral canal. The
stroma of the nucleus pulposus tracks into the weakened vertebra
giving the impression of a volcanic eruption. This herniation of
nucleus into the vertebrae through endplate defects is a typical
feature of osteolytic vertebrae. The fragment is attached to the
entire posterior annulus which serves as a soft tissue hinge
together with the posterior longitudinal ligament. The disc is
degenerated in this specimen. |
©2000 Wolfgang Rauschning, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Clinical Anatomy
Academic
University Hospital
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Uppsala, Sweden
Reproduction without permission is prohibited
http://www.akademiska.se/
