• Peng Wang, Zhuang Zhou, Heng Zhang, Faming Tian, Wenya Wang, and Liu Zhang.
• Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2015 Mar 1; 29 (3): 377-80.

ObjectiveTo review the role of vertebral subchondral bone in maintaining normal physiological function of the intervertebral disc and in the intervertebral disc degeneration in light of bone anatomy, microstructure, histopathological features, and MRI imaging features.MethodsThe related home and abroad literature concerning vertebral subchondral bone and intervertebral disc degeneration was extensively reviewed and comprehensively analyzed.ResultsVertebral subchondral bone is part of the vertebral endplate and is defined as the vascularized cortical and trabecular bone layer located between the cartilage endplate and vertebral body. It not only plays a cushion shocks role in terms of conducting stress and effectively resists the hydrostatic nucleus, but also ensures the normal supply of disc nutrition. Subchondral bone sclerosis caused by bone remodeling abnormality severely decreases the ability of subchondral bone stress absorption and protective function of disc, which finally leads to increased inflammatory factors locally and hindered nutrition pathway of disc and enhanced disc degeneration.ConclusionTo further strengthen the knowledge and understanding of the vertebral subchondral bone will play a positive role in the study on the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration.

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