From the Research
Definition of Central Annular Disc Tear
- A central annular disc tear refers to a tear in the annulus fibrosus, which is the outer layer of the intervertebral disc [(1,2,3,4)].
- The annulus fibrosus is a fibrocartilaginous structure that surrounds the nucleus pulposus, which is the soft, gel-like center of the disc [(1,2)].
Characteristics of Central Annular Disc Tear
- Central annular disc tears can be identified on MRI images as areas of hyperintensity on T2-weighted images or enhancement in the posterior annulus, separate from the nucleus pulposus [(1,3)].
- These tears can be caused by various factors, including compression, torsion, and vibration, and can be associated with disc degeneration and low back pain [(2,4)].
Relationship with Disc Degeneration
- The presence of a central annular disc tear does not necessarily predict accelerated disc degeneration 3.
- However, the tear can lead to the leakage of chemical mediators or inflammatory cytokines into the epidural space, which can cause injury to adjacent nerve roots and contribute to radiating leg pain 5.