Background and Purpose: At least two different elements can be detected in the structure of mature intervertebral disc. The central portion contains nucleus pulpous. Its few cells being embedded in gel form material. The outer protein, however, is called annulus fibroses, composed of concentric layers of intertwined annulus bands. Although the major anatomical structures of intervertebral disc are well known, there are little information on the development of its components such as cell type and extracellul matrix. Therefore, this study was conducted to study the histological changes in the development of intervertebral disc in mouse.Methods and Materials: In this study, collagen fiber appearance and cellular differentiation were studied using serial section and histological staining methods in the course of intervertebral disc development in mouse embryo. Results: The findings indicated that from the 12th day of gestation, the notochord starts getting separated from the floor plate of neural tube. Gradually on the next days, as mesenchyme cells get condensed around, patterns of intervertebral disc differentiation can be observed, leading to disc development toward the end of gestation. Throughout this process, the notochord degenerates. Theses changes start from the middle portion of notochord and proceeds towards head and tail. Then vertebral bodies are forward in portions with degenerated notochord changes.Conclusion: During the development changes of intervertebral disc, remnants of notochord form nucleus pulpous in the intervertebral disc. However, the mesenchyme surrounding it (forthcoming annulus fibrosus) consist of structurally dissimilar regions. Under these circumstances, the outer portion is made up of highly-densed collagen material but in the inner portion, remnants of embryonic hyaline cartilage and collagen fibers can be detected.

High resolution real time ultrasonography is a non - invasive, simple, and safe and has a high degree of accuracy for measurement of spinal canal diameter.Also diagnostic ultrasound can demonstrate the degree and extent of bony spinal canal steno sis. It may have value in preventive medicine, identifying the subject at risk. Measurement with this technique on segments of lumbar spinal canal revealed that the ultrasound echoes originated from boundaries between the dural sac and the surrounding tissues at the level of intervertebral disc.The width of lumbar spinal canal as reflected by the ultrasonic echoes was about one millimeter less than the normal width of the dural sac.The aim of this study was to find out the normal sagital and coronal lumbar spinal canal diameter. For this purpose research was conducted on the 400 patients, and carried out from (May 1998) through (sep. 1999) that referred for abdominopelvic ultrasonography to no I hospital of Kerman University of Medical Sciences and Health Services.A prospective cross - sectional and continuative study was done. In the research 182 female (45.8%) and 218 were male (54.2%). The mean sagital and coronal spinal canal diameter at (L4-L5) disc space level was (11.7+2 mm) and (15±2.8 mm) respectively.The mean sagital and coronal spinal canal diameter at (LS-S1) level was (11.7±2.1 mm) and (16±2.8mm) respectively. The significant difference between male and female was only at coronal diameter of (L5-S1).

Background: Mechanical articulated devices can replace the intervertebral disc in patients with chronic back degenerated pain. We would like to report our short-term experience with a disc prosthesis in a small group of L5-S1 disc degeneration. Methods: In a cohort study, 21 consecutive patients (17 males, 4 females) with degenerative L5-S1 disc disease with over 6 months history of disabling back symptoms non-responsive to conservative treatment were treated by disc prosthesis. The mean age was 36±5.7 years (22-48 years) at surgery and the average follow-up was 11 months (13-24 months). The cases were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI) for disability, and also for personal satisfaction at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post surgery. Results: Early improvement with pain control and return to function were seen in all patients (p<0.05). The improvement in later follow-ups was not statistically significant. The rate of satisfaction was 86 percent, and 81% drop in analgesic use was reported by the patients. No complication was encountered in this group. Conclusion: Disc arthroplasty in degenerated L5-S1 is a reasonable alternative to fusion surgery. In short-term, has a good success rate, without any major side effect.

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) due to the degenerative intervertebral disk diseases is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions in contemporary societies. A variety of pharmacological, nonpharmacological and surgical options is available for treatment of CLBP. The use of non-pharmacological methods have drastically increased in recent years, offering fewer complications and expenses. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of the neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and electro acupuncture (EAP) with exercise therapy alone in patients with chronic low back pain. Materials and Methods: This was a randomized case-controlled clinical trial. Sixty patients with CLBP were randomly assigned to 3 groups (20 cases each) of the EAP with exercise therapy, NMES with exercise therapy, and exercise therapy only. Severity of pain and disability improvement were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Quebec back pain disability scale respectively. Results: A total of 66 individuals were enrolled, out of which 6 were excluded due to patients’ lack of cooperation. A significant decline in the amounts of Quebec and VAS was observed in the three groups (p<0. 001). The pain and disability improvements did not display any significant difference in the NMES or EAP groups compared to the control group. However, the severity of disability and pain in the NMES group were significantly higher than the EAP group (p<0. 05). Conclusion: These findings may indicate an almost identical efficacy of exercise therapy alone compared to the combination with electrical stimulation techniques in improving the pain and disability in patients suffering CLBP.

History and Objectives: Considering the incremental incidence of lumbar pain and the existence of epidemiological controversies and its known complications following inappropriate treatment and for determination characteristics of the patients, this study was conducted on patients with lumbar pain in Shaheed Beheshti hospital in Kashan from 1998 to 1999. Materials and Methods: The present study was performed on existing data on patients with lumbar pain and their characteristics including gender, age, occupation, and cause to refer were recorded and were described statistically. Results: This study was performed on patients (n = 100) with lumbar pain (54% male and 46% female). Out of the total, 77% were at an age range of20-60 years and 44% were at an age range of20-39 years. In addition, 43 out of them have had occupations requiring long-time standing and 41% out of them have had occupations needing extreme physical activity. Intervertebral hernia was the most common causative factor of lumbar pain (58%). Conclusion and Recommendations: Since most of the patients with lumbar pain are at an age range of 20-60 years and the majority of them have extreme physical activity, it is recon1mendedto evaluate the effect of training and related devices.