Intervertebral Dissc Transplantation

The vertebral column is composed of alternative bony vertebrae and fibro cartilaginous discs that are connected by strong ligaments and supported by musculature that extends from the skull to the pelvis and provides axial support to the body. There are 33 vertebral: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral and 4 coccygeal. The sacral and coccygeal vertebrae form the sacrum and coccyx. The intervertebral discs are the chief bonds between the adjacent surfaces of the vertebral bodies from the second cervical vertebra to the sacrum except at the site of the uncovertebral (neurocentral) joints of Luschka, disc outlines correspond with the adjacent bodies.The aim of this work is to study the anatomy , development , histology , degenerative changes of the intervertebral disc and to discuss the feasibility of transplanting the whole intervertebral disc.