Dear Stewart,
Also no direct blood supply to synovium. In both cases, fluid movement
is via passive flow. Surely you've heard of the phenomenon of incresed
disc size in the a.m., "imbibition" of fluid & the subsequent loss of disc
height during the day. These days, it's even known that articular cartilege
has the possibility for self-repair. Of course, the healing time can vary &
healing achieved can be variable, so all we can do to support healing is
good sense.
In terms of the exact mechanisms, an inflammatory reaction is known to
occur in the disc material, according to some recent articles in Spine. I
don't have the references hand, sorry. As in many parts of the body,
unfortunately, the inflammation can become chronic & fail to resolve in
the formation of scar tissue.
Please, everyone, add whatever else you know about the healing
mechanisms.
Thanks.
Sarah Fern Striffler, PT
[log in to unmask] wrote:
> Sarah, could you explain what mechanisms allow the disc material to heal. As
> I understand it their is no blood supply to the disc material therefore no
> known method of natural repair.
>
> Stewart Harrison
> Physiotherapist
> UK
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