In degenerative processes, the fibres of the anulus fibrous may be lengthened and weakened, sometimes producing tears and leading to displacement and herniation of the nucleus pulposus. Displacement without such herniation is termed a bulging anulus fibrosus. CT scanning, MR imaging and myelography are useful in showing the extension of annular material. The anulus may also be a site of calcification in degenerative disease; radiographs show the presence of single or multiple radiodense shadows superimposed on the intervertebral disc.

The anulus fibrosus is the major site of abnormality in spondylosis deformans. Abnormalities in the peripheral fibers of the anulus appear to be the precipitating cause. Annular disruption and displacement of the disc ensue, followed by development of osteophytes. A vacuum phenomenon isolated to the outer portions of the anulus fibrosis is an early sign of spondylosis deformans.

In ankylosing spondylitis, ossification of the outer fibers of the anulus fibrosus produces outgrowths termed syndesmophytes that extend vertically between vertebral bodies.