Intervertebral disc defects are readily observed radiologically. Autopsy investigations by the Dresden Clinic have provided more detailed conceptions of the structure, function, and pathology of the discs. The significance of radiological changes both in youth and age may now be more truly assessed.It becomes more and more evident that the adolescent disc frequently reveals a weakness or defect which may have considerable influence on disc integrity in later years.Radiological observations in vertebral epiphysitis are of considerable interest in view of the Schmorl—Scheuermann controversy.