The Elastic Fiber Network of the Anulus Fibrosus of the Normal and Scoliotic Human Intervertebral Disc

Abstract

Our results reveal an abundant and organized network of elastic fibers in the adolescent (12 and 17-year-olds) human IVD, and suggest that elastic fiber network plays a significant biomechanical role. This network is sparse and disrupted in scoliotic discs, and could be involved in the progression of the spinal deformity.