[The strength of the elements of the human spinal column and the problems of the etiology, pathogenesis and principles of the treatment of degenerative spinal lesions].

The study was made of strength characteristics of the vertebra and intervertebral disks of moving parts of human spine in postembryonic ontogenesis. The authors have obtained statistically significant data on degenerative dystrophic changes and lesions of human spine. Pathogenetic issues, conservative and surgical treatment policies in degenerative lesions are considered. The authors hold, that osteochondrosis is not the right term to denote degenerative lesions of the spine.