A 22-year-old male patient presents with the chief complaint of intermittent low back pain. Radiographic examination reveals a slightly narrowed L5 intervertebral disc without evidence of osteophytosis, intervertebral disc vacuum, subchondral sclerosis, or endplate defects. Which of the following best explains the morphology of the L5 intervertebral disc?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The slightly narrowed L5 intervertebral disc without degenerative changes such as osteophytosis or vacuum phenomenon suggests hypoplasia, which is an underdevelopment or incomplete development of the disc, rather than degeneration or other pathological processes.

A 22-Year-Old Male Patient Presents with the Chief Complaint of Intermittent