Biomechanical properties of human intervertebral discs subjected to axial dynamic compression:​ influence of age and degeneration

Koeller, W.<sup>1</sup>; Muehlhaus, S.<sup>2</sup>; Meier, W.<sup>2</sup>; Hartmann, F.<sup>2</sup>

Affiliations

¹Klinik für Orthopaedie. Med Universität, Ratzeburger Allee 160. 2400 Luebeck 1, F.R.C

²Abteil für Krankheiten der Bewegungsorgane und des Stoffwechsels, Med Hochschule, Postfach 610180, 3000 Hannover 61, F.R.G.

Abstract

This investigation was performed to study biomechanical properties of human intervertebral discs as a function of age. 178 specimens from 21 spinal sections (Th9-S1, 5–84 yr) were subjected to axial dynamic compression; the load being 950 ± 540 N. The results revealed three distinct age ranges: (1) From the first to the middle of the third decade: axial deformability decreases within the thoracic region, and remains almost constant within the lumbar spine; creep decreases in both parts. (2) From the middle of the third to the beginning of the sixth decade: the biomechanical behavior scarcely alters. (3) Afterwards: axial deformability remains unchanged; creep, however, again increases within the lumbar spine. The results reveal the discs behave most efficiently within the age range where the incidence of back pain is maximal.

Links

DOI: 10.1016/0021-9290(86)90131-4

PubMed: 3782163

WoS: A1986E887700003

History

Received: 1985-05-28

Revised: 1986-03-7

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Cited By (21)

Year	Entry
2002	Echarri JJ, Forriol F. Effect of axial load on the cervical spine: a study of Congolese woodbearers. Int Orthop. June 2002;26(3):141-144.
1988	Smeathers JE, Joanes DN. Dynamic compressive properties of human lumbar intervertebral joints: a comparison between fresh and thawed specimens. J Biomech. 1988;21(5):425-433.
2004	Walsh AJL, Lotz JC. Biological response of the intervertebral disc to dynamic loading. J Biomech. March 2004;37(3):329-337.
1990	Adams MA, Dolan P, Hutton WC, Porter RW. Diurnal changes in spinal mechanics and their clinical significance. J Bone Joint Surg. March 1990;72B(2):266-270.
1988	Miller JAA, Schmatz C, Schultz AB. Lumbar disc degeneration: correlation with age, sex, and spine level in 600 autopsy specimens. Spine. February 1988;13(2):173-178.
1992	Kasra M, Shirazi-Adl A, Drouin G. Dynamics of human lumbar intervertebral joints experimental and finite-element investigations. Spine. January 1992;17(1):93-102.
1995	Goel VK, Monroe BT, Gilbertson LG, Brinckmann P. Interlaminar shear stresses and laminae separation in a disc: finite element analysis of the L3-L4 motion segment subjected to axial compressive loads. Spine. March 15, 1995;20(6):689-698.
2000	Race A, Broom ND, Robertson P. Effect of loading rate and hydration on the mechanical properties of the disc. Spine. March 15, 2000;25(6):662-669.
2005	Echarri JJ, Forriol F. Influence of the type of load on the cervical spine: a study on Congolese bearers. Spine J. May–June 2005;5(3):291-296.
1996	Iatridis JC. Biomechanics of the Anulus Fibrosus and Nucleus Pulposus of the Human Lumbar Intervertebral Disc and the Effects of Degeneration [PhD thesis]. Columbia University; 1996.
2004	Yao H. Physical Signals and Solute Transport in Cartilaginous Tissues [PhD thesis]. University of Miami; August 2004.
1991	Kasra M. Experimental and Finite Element Dynamic Response Analyses of a Human Lumbar Motion Segment [PhD thesis]. École polytechnique de Montréal; March 1991.
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2007	Bazrgari B. Biodynamic of the Human Spine [PhD thesis]. École polytechnique de Montréal; February 2007.
2016	Gustafson HM. Quantifying the Response of Vertebral Bodies to Compressive Loading Using Digital Image Correlation [PhD thesis]. Vancouver, BC: University of British Columbia; October 2016.
2002	Walsh AJL. Tissue Remodeling in the Intervertebral Disc: Response to Dynamic Loading and Growth Factors [PhD thesis]. San Francisco, University of California; 2002.
2013	Maquer G. Image-Based Biomechanical Assessment of Vertebral Body and Intervertebral Disc in the Human Lumbar Spine [PhD thesis]. Universität Bern; March 2013.
2002	Gillespie KA. Biomechanical Role of Lumbar Spine Ligaments in Flexion and Extension Using a Parallel Linkage Robot: A Porcine Model [Master's thesis]. University of Guelph; April 2002.
2009	Boxberger JI. Altered and Restored Function After Reduced Nucleus Pulposus Glycosaminoglycan Content in the Rat Lumbar Intervertebral Disc [PhD thesis]. Philadelphia, PA: University of Pennsylvania; 2009.
2008	Parkinson RJ. Refining the Relationship Between the Mechanical Demands on the Spine and Injury Mechanisms Through Improved Estimates of Load Exposure and Tissue Tolerance [PhD thesis]. University of Waterloo; 2008.
2016	Balkovec C. Intervertebral Disc Height Loss and Restoration: Outcomes and Implications [PhD thesis]. University of Waterloo; 2016.