Figure 3

Lateral radiographs showing L4–5 and L5–6. (a) Reduced disk height of L4–5 and L5–6 on lateral plain radiographs at 4 weeks after stabbing (black arrows). (b) Neither osteophyte formation nor endplate thickening were observed during this period, only reduced disk height is apparent (original magnification × 2.5). (c) Further loss in disk height was seen at 8 weeks after stabbing (black arrows). Early osteophyte formation (oblique arrow) was observed in this period, but endplate thickening still did not appear (original magnification × 2.0).