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The effect of formalin-fixation on the extent of collagen and elastin crosslinks in the matrix of human spinal intervertebral discs and ligamentum flava tissues was evaluated. Fresh discs (n = 5) and ligamentum flava (n = 22) were harvested and separated into two samples. One sample was stored in 10% buffered formalin and the other control sample in a freezer at -20°C. Using HPLC the paired anular (n = 72), nuclear (n = 22) and liagmentum flavum (n = 58) samples were dried, hydrolyzed and assayed for collagen and elastin crosslinks over a 25-week period. There were no significant differences in the collagen, isodesmosine and desmosine content, and the extent of pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline crosslinks, between fresh and formalin-fixed disc and ligament samples after 25 weeks of formalin fixation. Short-term formalin-fixation does not significantly influence the collagen and elastin crosslink content or the extent of insoluble collagen crosslinks in spinal disc and ligamentum flavum tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present retrospective study reviewed and examined the prevalence of thoracic disc degeneration, end-plate lesions and osteophytes in the thoracic spine using T2-weighted sagittal magnetic resonance images (MRI). The sample comprised 216 thoracic spine cases (101 males and 115 females), aged from 1 to 85 years (mean age = 42 ± 19.7 years). Nuclear and anular degeneration, end-plate lesions and osteophytes were graded using a 3-point scale. The prevalence of degeneration was highest in the nucleus (86%) and lowest in the end-plates (63%). Males had a higher prevalence of degeneration in the nucleus, anulus and end-plates, and a lower prevalence of osteophytes compared to females. Increasing cranio-caudal trends in the prevalence of degeneration in the nucleus, anulus and end-plates were observed, and these trends were statistically significant (p < 0.01). Vertebral body osteophytes were most prevalent in the mid thoracic region. Osteophytes and degenerative changes in the nucleus and anulus increased significantly with age (p < 0.05). These regional and age-related degenerative trends may influence the interpretation of thoracic spine pathology from MRI investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]