Physicians need reliable terms that describe normal and pathological conditions of lumbar discs.  Terms that can be interpreted accurately,consistently, and with reliable precision are particularly important for communicating impressions gained from imaging  for clinical diagnostic and therapeutic decision making.  The following paper focuses on this issue and has become the standard in the field of spine medicine.

Nomenclature and Classification of Lumbar Disc Pathology:  Recommendations of the Combined Task Forces of the North American Spine Society, American Society of Spine Radiology, and American Society of Neuroradiology

Published in Spine Volume 26(5)  1 March 2001

View Pictures Detailing Types of Disc Pathology