Morphometric changes in the heights and anteroposterior diameters of the lumbar intervertebral discs with age.

Abstract

Changes in the heights and anteroposterior diameters of human lumbar intervertebral discs have been studied by means of measurements from radiographs. The results confirm previous reports that there is overall increase in the various dimensions of the disc with age. Growth of the discs apparently does not follow a linear pattern. There are alternating periods of overgrowth and thinning. After the 5th decade of life there is an appreciable decline of disc height. The significance of the findings is discussed.