What changes occur in the disc in OA, DDD, or spondylosis?

What changes occur in the disc in OA, DDD, or spondylosis?

• A. Dessication of the nucleus pulposus and development of degeneration and tears in the annulus.
• B. Increased water content of nucleus pulposus.
• C. Disc height increases.
• D. Thickening of the annulus without degeneration.

Answer: (A)

Degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc with OA and spondylosis are driven by loss of hydration in the nucleus pulposus and weakening of the annulus fibrosus. As aging reduces proteoglycans, the nucleus pulls in less water and desiccates, causing the disc to thin and lose height. The annulus then develops tears and fissures from the altered mechanics and ongoing stress. This combination—nucleus desiccation with annular degeneration and tears—is the typical pattern seen in these conditions. Increased water content is not expected, disc height tends to decrease rather than increase, and annulus thickening without degeneration does not describe the common degenerative process.

Degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc with OA and spondylosis are driven by loss of hydration in the nucleus pulposus and weakening of the annulus fibrosus. As aging reduces proteoglycans, the nucleus pulls in less water and desiccates, causing the disc to thin and lose height. The annulus then develops tears and fissures from the altered mechanics and ongoing stress. This combination—nucleus desiccation with annular degeneration and tears—is the typical pattern seen in these conditions. Increased water content is not expected, disc height tends to decrease rather than increase, and annulus thickening without degeneration does not describe the common degenerative process.