RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Pathomechanism and Biomechanics of Degenerative Disc Disease: Features of Healthy and Degenerated Discs JF International Journal of Spine Surgery JO Int J Spine Surg FD International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery SP 10 OP 25 DO 10.14444/8052 VO 15 IS s1 A1 Sertac Kirnaz A1 Charisse Capadona A1 Marianne Lintz A1 Byumsu Kim A1 Rachel Yerden A1 Jacob L. Goldberg A1 Branden Medary A1 Fabian Sommer A1 Lynn B. McGrath, JR A1 Lawrence J. Bonassar A1 Roger Härtl YR 2021 UL http://ijssurgery.com//content/15/s1/10.abstract AB The human intervertebral disc (IVD) is a complex organ composed of fibrous and cartilaginous connective tissues, and it serves as a boundary between 2 adjacent vertebrae. It provides a limited range of motion in the torso as well as stability during axial compression, rotation, and bending. Adult IVDs have poor innate healing potential due to low vascularity and cellularity. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) generally arises from the disruption of the homeostasis maintained by the structures of the IVD, and genetic and environmental factors can accelerate the progression of the disease. Impaired cell metabolism due to pH alteration and poor nutrition may lead to autophagy and disruption of the homeostasis within the IVD and thus plays a key role in DDD etiology. To develop regenerative therapies for degenerated discs, future studies must aim to restore both anatomical and biomechanical properties of the IVDs. The objective of this review is to give a detailed overview about anatomical, radiological, and biomechanical features of the IVDs as well as discuss the structural and functional changes that occur during the degeneration process.