[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/) › T9–T10 disc [Joints and ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/joints-and-ligaments/) · [Spine](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/spine/) # T9–T10 disc The T9-T10 disc is the thin cushion between the T9 and T10 vertebrae in the mid-back; it allows the small movement the [ribs](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ribs/) permit. Official name: T9-T10 [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=spine&select=disc_t9_t10&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is The cushion between T9 and T10: 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 - A lateral herniation irritates the T9 root, a band just above the umbilicus, and can pass for upper abdominal disease - Lower thoracic discs calcify more often; a hard calcified fragment can stick to or erode the dura, which raises the risk of a cerebrospinal fluid leak at surgery ## Key facts **Where** Between T9 and T10 bodies; thin thoracic disc; rib 10 head joins it only when it has two facets **Attaches** Annulus fibrosus anchored to the [endplates](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/vertebral-endplates/) and ring apophyses of T9 and T10; 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 T9 root ## Relations **In front** [Thoracic aorta](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/thoracic-aorta/) near the midline, with the [esophagus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/esophagus-abdominal-part/) in front of it heading for the esophageal hiatus of the [diaphragm](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/diaphragm/) at about T10; the [azygos vein](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/azygos-vein/) and [thoracic duct](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/thoracic-duct/) to the right **Lateral** Head of rib 10 only when it has two facets (often it meets T10 alone); the greater and lesser [splanchnic nerves](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/greater-thoracic-splanchnic-nerve/) on the side of the body **Behind** [Posterior longitudinal ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/posterior-longitudinal-ligament/) and the lower thoracic [spinal cord](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/spinal-cord/) ## How to find it In front, the xiphisternal joint lies at about the level of T9; from behind, the disc is near the tip of the T9 spinous process. Counting upward from the 12th rib is a second check. ## On imaging Operating at the wrong level is a known risk in the lower thoracic [spine](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/spine/). The level is fixed on MRI by counting from C2 (and from the [sacrum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sacrum/), since rib and lumbar counts vary) and marked with fluoroscopy during surgery. ## 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, 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 - Reached through the chest (thoracoscopic or open) or from behind and to the side; a calcified disc stuck to the dura favours a route with a direct view of its front - In ankylosing spondylitis the discs bridge over with bone; even a minor fall can break straight through a disc of the rigid thoracic spine, an unstable injury that is easily missed on plain X-rays ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## Where is the pain of a lateral T9–T10 disc herniation felt? In a band just above the umbilicus, the T9 root; it can pass for upper abdominal disease. ## Why does a calcified T9–T10 disc herniation make surgery riskier? A hard calcified fragment can stick to or erode the dura, raising the risk of a cerebrospinal fluid leak; a route with a direct view of the front of the disc is favoured. ## Which structure in front of the T9–T10 disc heads for a diaphragmatic hiatus at about T10? The esophagus: it lies in front of the thoracic aorta and reaches the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm at about T10. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/t9-t10/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** discus intervertebralis T9-T10 TA2 1684 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Disco T9-T10 DeCS D007403 **English (TA2)** T9-T10 **Also called** fibrous ring · fibrocartilago intervertebralis ## Related - [T9–T10 nucleus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t9-t10-spine-and-pelvis/) - [T9 vertebra](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t9/) - [T10 vertebra](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t10/) 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/); [7.3 The Vertebral Column](https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/7-3-the-vertebral-column) (OpenStax (Rice University), 2022) · adapted, [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## **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/t9-t10/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t9-t10/