Vascularization and Morphological Changes of the Endplate After Axial Compression and Distraction of the Intervertebral Disc

Abstract

Compression resulted in degeneration of the cartilaginous endplate and decrease in the osseous endplate vascular channel volume, both of which led to the degeneration of the IVD. Unloading and distraction allowed the regeneration of the extracellular matrix in both the endplate and the recovery of vascular channels.