[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Spine](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/spine/) › T8–T9 disc [Joints and ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/joints-and-ligaments/) · [Spine](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/spine/) # T8–T9 disc The T8-T9 disc is the thin cushion between the T8 and T9 vertebrae in the mid-back; it allows the small movement the [ribs](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ribs/) permit. Official name: T8-T9 [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=spine&select=disc_t8_t9&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is The cushion between T8 and T9: a tough outer ring of fibres (annulus fibrosus) around a soft centre. ## What it does Absorbs load and allows the small amount of movement the rib cage permits. ## Key points - Opens the T8–T12 stretch where most thoracic herniations occur, as the lower thoracic [spine](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/spine/) moves more freely than the upper part - Classic (thoracic) Scheuermann disease peaks in this area: wedged vertebrae, irregular [endplates](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/vertebral-endplates/) and Schmorl nodes in a teenager with a rigid round back ## Key facts **Where** Between T8 and T9 bodies; thin thoracic disc; head of rib 9 joins it **Attaches** Annulus fibrosus anchored to the endplates and ring apophyses of T8 and T9; anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments **Function** Absorbs and spreads load; herniation rare (most at T8–T12), often central onto the cord; lateral herniation may irritate the T8 root ## Relations **In front** [Esophagus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/esophagus-abdominal-part/) moving left and forward, in front of the [thoracic aorta](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/thoracic-aorta/); the [azygos vein](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/azygos-vein/) on the right, with the hemiazygos vein crossing behind the aorta to join it at about T9 **Lateral** Head of rib 9 and its costovertebral joint; the greater splanchnic nerve on the side of the body ## How to find it Not palpable. It is found by counting: up from the 12th rib, or down from the inferior angle of the [scapula](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/scapula/) (about T7); from behind it lies near the tip of the T8 spinous process. ## On imaging Scheuermann disease on a lateral radiograph: three or more adjacent vertebrae each wedged by 5° or more (Sorensen criteria), with irregular endplates and Schmorl nodes. ## Common problems - Thoracic disc herniations are uncommon; many are found by chance on MRI and cause no symptoms. - A large one can press on the [spinal cord](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/spinal-cord/), or cause band-like pain around the [chest](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/chest/). ## How it is diagnosed MRI; CT shows whether the herniation is calcified (hardened), which matters for surgery. ## Treatment - Usually physical therapy and pain medicine; surgery only if the spinal cord is pressed. ## Clinical notes - Pain from this level can be felt in the upper [abdomen](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/abdomen/) and mimic [gallbladder](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/gallbladder/), pancreatic or [stomach](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/stomach/) disease - Osteoporotic wedge fractures cluster in the mid-thoracic and thoracolumbar spine; on X-ray the disc keeps its height, which helps separate them from infection, where the disc space is destroyed ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## Which stretch of the thoracic spine, starting at the T8–T9 disc, holds most thoracic disc herniations, and why? T8–T12: the lower thoracic spine moves more freely than the upper part. ## Which radiographic criteria define Scheuermann disease, which peaks around the T8–T9 disc? Three or more adjacent vertebrae each wedged by 5° or more (Sorensen criteria), with irregular endplates and Schmorl nodes, in a teenager with a rigid round back. ## Pain from the T8–T9 disc level can mimic disease of which organs? Upper abdominal organs: it can be felt in the upper abdomen and mimic gallbladder, pancreatic or stomach disease. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/t8-t9/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** discus intervertebralis T8-T9 TA2 1684 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Disco T8-T9 DeCS D007403 **English (TA2)** T8-T9 **Also called** fibrous ring · fibrocartilago intervertebralis ## Related - [T8–T9 nucleus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t8-t9-spine-and-pelvis/) - [T8 vertebra](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t8/) - [T9 vertebra](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t9/) Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [DeCS](https://decs.bvsalud.org/es/ths/resource/?id=7567); [Anatomy, Back, Intervertebral Discs](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470583/). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t8-t9/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t8-t9/