Mechanical initiation of intervertebral disc degeneration

STUDY DESIGN: Mechanical testing of cadaveric lumbar motion segments. OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that minor damage to a vertebral body can lead to progressive disruption of the adjacent intervertebral disc. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Disc degeneration involves gross structural disruption as well as cell-mediated changes in matrix composition, but there is little evidence concerning which comes first. Comparatively minor damage to a vertebral body is known to decompress the adjacent discs, and this may adversely affect both structure and cell function in the disc. METHODS: In this study, 38 cadaveric lumbar motion segments (mean age, 51 years) were subjected to complex mechanical loading to simulate typical activities in vivo while the distribution of compressive stress in the disc matrix was measured using a pressure transducer mounted in a needle 1.3 mm in diameter. "Stress profiles" were repeated after a controlled compressive overload injury had reduced motion segment height by approximately 1%. Moderate repetitive loading, appropriate for the simulation of light manual labor, then was applied to the damaged specimens for approximately 4 hours, and stress profilometry was repeated a third time. Discs then were sectioned and photographed. RESULTS: Endplate damage reduced pressure in the adjacent nucleus pulposus by 25% +/- 27% and generated peaks of compressive stress in the anulus, usually posteriorly to the nucleus. Discs 50 to 70 years of age were affected the most. Repetitive loading further decompressed the nucleus and intensified stress concentrations in the anulus, especially in simulated lordotic postures. Sagittal plane sections of 15 of the discs showed an inwardly collapsing anulus in 9 discs, extreme outward bulging of the anulus in 11 discs, and complete radial fissures in 2 discs, 1 of which allowed posterior migration of nucleus pulposus. Comparisons with the results from tissue culture experiments indicated that the observed changes in matrix compressive stress would inhibit disc cell metabolism throughout the disc, and could lead to progressive deterioration of the matrix. CONCLUSIONS: Minor damage to a vertebral body endplate leads to progressive structural changes in the adjacent intervertebral discs.     

经Coflex固定下腰椎不同节段后的椎间盘

目的 ：模拟临床术式,经Coflex分别固定下腰椎L4,5、L5S1节段,分析其手术节段及邻近节段椎间盘生物力学的差异性。方法：建立下腰椎及Coflex应用于下腰椎的3组有限元模型（完整下腰椎、Coflex固定腰椎L4,5及L5S1节段）。根据脊柱三柱加载理论,模拟下腰椎直立、前屈和后伸3种生理状态下,比较分析纤维环不同区域的应力大小、椎间隙背侧高度变化及髓核内压水平。结果：在直立和后伸工况下,Coflex分别植入L4,5、L5S1节段,均能减少其手术节段纤维环后区应力,限制椎间隙高度变化,并且降低髓核的应力水平。在后伸工况下,Coflex植入L4,5节段可降低L5S1节段的椎间盘应力水平,但Coflex植入L5S1节段不改变L4,5节段椎间盘应力大小。结论：Coflex固定L4,5、L5S1节段均能减少本手术节段椎间盘负载。另外,Coflex固定L4,5节段,起到降低L5S1节段椎间盘负载的生物力学效果。     

The distribution of surface strain in the cadaveric lumbar spine

The fourth lumbar vertebrae and L4-5 discs from six cadaveric lumbar spines were subjected to detailed strain gauge analysis under conditions of controlled loading. With central compression loads, maximal compressive strain was found to occur near the bases of the pedicles and on both superficial and deep surfaces of the pars interarticularis, which emphasises the importance of the posterior elements of lumbar vertebrae in transmitting load. Radial bulge and tangential strain of the disc wall were maximal at the posterolateral surface, in agreement with the fact that disc degeneration and prolapse commonly occur there. Under posterior offset loads simulating extension, both compressive and tensile strains were found to be increased on both surfaces of the pars interarticularis, which suggests that hyperextension may lead to stress fractures and spondylolisthesis. Posterior offset loads also increased the radial bulge of the posterior disc wall and tangential strain at the anterior surface of the disc. Anterior offset loads simulating flexion increased the radial bulge of the anterior disc wall and tangential strain at the posterior surface of the disc. These findings are compatible with movement of the nucleus pulposus within the disc during flexion and extension. This hypothesis was supported by post-mortem discography.     

Peak stresses observed in the posterior lateral anulus

STUDY DESIGN: The stress distributions within cadaveric lumbar intervertebral discs were measured for a range of loading conditions. OBJECTIVES: To examine the distribution of stress across the area of the intervertebral disc and to compare regional variations in peak stress during compression loading with various flexion angles. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The rate of disc degeneration and the occurrence of low back disorders increase with higher mechanical loading of the spine. The largest peak stresses occur in the anulus. METHODS: Human lumbar L2--L3 and L4--L5 cadaver functional spinal units were obtained and tested. The distribution of disc stress was measured using a pressure probe with loads applied, pure compression and compression with 5 degrees of either flexion or extension. RESULTS: Stress profiles were recorded across the intervertebral disc at a compressive force of 1000 N and each of the three flexion-extension angles. The highest values (2.99 +/- 1.31 MPa) were measured during extension-compression lateral to the midline of the disc in the posterior anulus. The pressure in the nucleus was relatively unchanged by flexion angle remaining about 1.00 MPa for a 1000-N compression. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure measurements of the cadaveric nucleus have been used to validate models of lumbar spine loading and to evaluate the risk of low back injury and disc herniation. Previous observations limited to midsagittal measurements of the nucleus did not identify the regions of highest stress. The highest values observed here within the posterolateral anulus correspond to common sites of disc degeneration and herniation.     

The internal mechanical properties of cervical intervertebral discs as revealed by stress profilometry

Extensive anatomical differences suggest that cervical and lumbar discs may have functional differences also. We investigated human cervical discs using “stress profilometry”. Forty-six cadaveric cervical motion segments aged 48-90 years were subjected to a compressive load of 200 N for 20 s, while compressive ‘stress’ was recorded along the posterior-anterior midline of the disc using a pressure transducer, side-mounted in a 0.9 mm diameter needle. Stress profiles were repeated with the transducer orientated horizontally and vertically, and with the specimen in neutral, flexed and extended postures. Profiles were repeated again following creep loading (150 N, 2 h) which simulated diurnal water loss in vivo. Stress profiles were reproducible, and measured “stress” at each location was proportional to applied load. Stress profiles usually showed a hydrostatic nucleus with regions of higher compressive stress concentrated anteriorly in flexion, and posteriorly in extension. Stress concentrations increased in degenerated discs and following creep. Some features were unique to cervical discs: many showed a stress gradient across their central regions, even though vertical and horizontal stresses were equal to each other, and stress concentrations in the posterior annulus were generally small. Central regions of many cervical discs show the characteristics of a “tethered fluid” which can equalise stress over small distances, but not large. This may be attributable to their fibrous texture. The small radial diameter of the cervical posterior annulus may facilitate buckling and thereby prevent it from sustaining high compressive stresses.     

Mechanical analysis of the lumbar vertebrae in a three-dimensional finite element method model in which intradiscal pressure in the nucleus pulposus was used to establish the model

We established a three-dimensional finite element method (FEM) model of the 4th and 5th vertebrae, using computed tomography (CT) images (2-mm slice thickness) of a healthy 29-year-old man. Because of the lack of specific data regarding the material characteristics of the nucleus pulposus of intervertebral discs, we used intradiscal pressure in the nucleus pulposus to establish the model. We referred to data from Nachemson and from Sato et al. regarding intradiscal pressure and to the methods of Shirazi-Adl for data for other material characteristics (see text for these references). The mid-position model bears a load of 294 N in the vertical direction, while the models of the flexed and extended positions bear loads of 15 N-m. In addition, a degenerative disc model without intradiscal pressure was created for the standing model. The use of these models allowed the investigation of von Mises stress on the vertebral endplates and the annulus fibrosus. We also examined von Mises stress on the facet joint in normal and degenerative disc models. There was increased von Mises stress on the vertebral endplate in the anterior, center portions. von Mises stress on the annulus fibrosus increased in the posterior portion, the entrance to the neural foramen, and the exit of the neural foramen. von Mises stress was greater during flexion in the posterior portion; in particular, increasing to about 1.6 times the level seen with other postures. No changes were observed in von Mises stress on the vertebral endplates or annulus fibrosus in the degenerative disc model, but von Mises stress on the facet joints was about 2.5 times that seen in the normal disc model. Received: June 28, 2001 / Accepted: October 27, 2001     

Intervertebral discs from spinal nondeformity and deformity patients have different mechanical and matrix properties

Background contextIt is well-established that disc mechanical properties degrade with degeneration. However, prior studies utilized cadaveric tissues from donors with undefined back pain history. Disc degeneration may present with pain at the affected motion segment, or it may be present in the absence of back pain. The mechanical properties and matrix quantity of discs removed and diagnosed for degeneration with patient chronic pain may be distinct from those with other diagnoses, such as spinal deformity.PurposeTo test the hypothesis that discs from nondeformity segments have inferior mechanical properties than deformity discs owing to differences in matrix quality.Study design/settingIn vitro study comparing the mechanical and matrix properties of discs from surgery patients with spinal nondeformity and deformity.MethodsWe analyzed nucleus and annulus samples (8–11 specimens per group) from surgical discectomy patients as part of a fusion or disc replacement procedure. Tissues were divided into two cohorts: nondeformity and deformity. Dynamic indentation tests were used to determine energy dissipation, indentation modulus, and viscoelasticity. Tissue hydration at a physiologic pressure was assessed by equilibrium dialysis. Proteoglycan, collagen, and collagen cross-link content were quantified. Matrix structure was assessed by histology.ResultsWe observed that energy dissipation was significantly higher in the nondeformity nucleus than in the deformity nucleus. Equilibrium dialysis experiments showed that annulus swelling was significantly lower in the nondeformity group. Consistent with this, we observed that the nondeformity annulus had lower proteoglycan and higher collagen contents.ConclusionsOur data suggest that discs from nondeformity discs have subtle differences in mechanical properties compared with deformity discs. These differences were partially explained by matrix biochemical composition for the annulus, but not for the nucleus. The results of this study suggest that compromised matrix quality and diminished mechanical properties are features that potentially accompany discs of patients undergoing segmental fusion or disc replacement for disc degeneration and chronic back pain. These features have previously been implicated in pain via instability or reduced motion segment stiffness.     

Experimental disc degeneration due to endplate injury

The aim of this study was to create an experimental model of disc degeneration that closely mimicked human disc degeneration. In six domestic pigs, an L4 cranial endplate perforation into the nucleus pulposus was made. Three months postoperatively, compressive testing was performed on the L2-L4 motion segments, and intradiscal pressure was measured in the intervening discs. Histochemical and morphologic examinations were made on the excised degenerated and adjacent discs. A significant reduction in water content was observed in the outer anterior annulus of the degenerated disc. In the nucleus, the proteoglycan content was significantly reduced, as well as the cellularity, although not significantly. The nucleus lost its gel-like structure and was discolored, and there was delamination of annular layers. Intradiscal pressure in the nucleus was significantly lower in the degenerated disc. In conclusion, experimental degeneration of the intervertebral disc induced by endplate penetration resembled human disc degeneration, as exemplified by biochemical and structural changes.     

腰椎内镜下髓核摘除术对不同退变程度邻近节段椎间盘生物力学影响的有限元分析

目的:探讨腰椎侧后路经皮内镜下髓核摘除术(percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy,PTED)对不同退变程度邻近节段椎间盘的生物力学的影响以及由该术式导致的邻椎病(adjacent segment diseases,ASD)发病风险.方法:选择成年健康男性志愿者...     

The mechanical response of the lumbar spine to different combinations of disc degenerative changes investigated using randomized poroelastic finite element models

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc is related to progressive changes in the disc tissue composition and morphology, such as water loss, disc height loss, endplate calcification, osteophytosis. These changes may be present separately or, more frequently, in various combinations. This work is aimed to the biomechanical investigation of a wide range of clinical scenarios of disc degeneration, in which the most common degenerative changes are present in various combinations. A poroelastic non-linear finite element model of the healthy L4–L5 human spine segment was employed and randomly scaled to represent ten spine segments from different individuals. Six different degenerative characteristics (water loss in the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus; calcification and thickness reduction of endplate cartilage; disc height loss; osteophyte formation; diffuse sclerosis) were modeled in 30 randomly generated models, 10 for each overall degree of degeneration (mild, moderate, severe). For each model, a daily loading cycle including 8 h of rest, 16 h in the standing position with superimposed two flexion–extension motion cycles was simulated. A tendency to an increase of stiffness with progressing overall degeneration was observed, in compression, flexion and extension. Hence, instability for mild degeneration was not predicted. Facet forces and fluid loss decreased with disc degeneration. Nucleus, annulus and endplate degeneration, disc height loss, osteophytosis and diffuse sclerosis all induced a statistically significant decrease in the total daily disc height variation, facet force and flexibility in flexion–extension. Therefore, grading systems for disc degeneration should include all the degenerative changes considered in this work, since all of them had a significant influence on the spinal biomechanics.     

Histological development of intervertebral disc herniation

Sagittal and horizontal sections of 257 intervertebral discs obtained at autopsy and material obtained from 441 operations for herniation of a disc were examined histologically. In the material that was taken at autopsy, myxomatous degeneration of the annulus fibrosus increased in proportion to the age of the subject. The bundles in the internal layer of the annulus fibrosus reversed their usual direction and showed myxomatous degeneration, sometimes resulting in posterior and anterior convex bulging in the internal layer of the anterior and posterior parts of the annulus fibrosus, respectively. When material from a disc was surgically removed as a single free fragment (as in a complete extrusion or a sequestration type of herniation), annulus fibrosus with myxomatous degeneration was found in most material, while the nucleus pulposus rarely was. These results suggest that, from the standpoint of pathomechanism, a protrusion type of herniation of the annulus fibrosus exists in which only the annulus fibrosus is protruded due to reversal of the bundles of the annulus fibrosus, without involvement of the nucleus pulposus. This type of herniation would be a separate entity from the protrusion type of herniation of the nucleus pulposus that occurs when the nucleus pulposus is protruded through a fissure in the annulus fibrosus.     

Olfactory stem cells can be induced to express chondrogenic phenotype in a rat intervertebral disc injury model

BackgroundIn humans, lower back pain is one of the most common causes of morbidity. Many studies implicate degeneration of intervertebral discs as the cause. In the normal intervertebral disc, the nucleus pulposus exerts a hydrostatic pressure against the constraining annulus fibrosus, which allows the disc to maintain flexibility between adjacent vertebrae, while absorbing necessary compressive forces. The nucleus pulposus performs this role because of its hydrophilic gel-like structure. The extracellular matrix of the nucleus pulposus is up to 80% hydrated, as a result of large amounts of the aggregating proteoglycan, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG). This proteoglycan is enmeshed in a randomly orientated network of fine collagen Type II (CT2) fibers.Study design and purposeA useful adult tissue-derived stem cell is that from the olfactory mucosa, the organ of smell. These cells, accessible in humans from nasal biopsies, are multipotent and are able to make many cell types from all germ layers. They are easily grown in vitro and can be expanded to large numbers and stored frozen. These qualities indicate the potential for autologous transplantation for disc repair. In this article, using a rat model, we explore the hypothesis that olfactory stem cells can differentiate into a nucleus pulposus chondrocyte phenotype in vitro, as well as in vivo after transplantation into the injured intervertebral disc.Patient sampleFemale rats (14 weeks) were anesthetized with xylazine/ketamine. The abdominal wall was shaved and injected with local anesthetic (lidocaine) before incision. The ventral part of the lumbar spine, including two intervertebral discs, was exposed. Disc degeneration was then induced in the two exposed discs by needle aspiration of the nucleus pulposus. The prominent spina iliaca posterior superior was used as an anatomical landmark for identification of the first disc. Two weeks later, one injured intervertebral disc was exposed in a second, similar, surgery and 20,000 olfactory neurosphere-derived cells were transplanted with a 25-G needle.Outcome measuresIn vitro induction of nucleus pulposus chondrocyte phenotype is measured by the percentage of cells expressing CT2 and CSPG. In vivo, a successful outcome is evidence of engraftment of donor-derived cells and their expression of CT2 and CSPG.MethodsIn this article, we tested two hypotheses: the first that progenitor cells within olfactory neurospheres could be induced to express markers distinctive of the nucleus pulposus when placed in vitro in a coculture experiment. The second hypothesis tested the same induction in genetically labeled transplanted cells within damaged vertebral discs in vivo. The two markers measured are those held by current literature to engender the necessary cushioning characteristics of nucleus pulposus, CT2 and CSPG.ResultsOur experiments demonstrated virtually 100% induction of these two markers in vitro. Also, this induction was achieved in donor-derived cells after delivery to the nucleus pulposus region of animals whose discs had previously been lesioned 2 weeks before transplant.ConclusionsThese results provide a rationale for moving toward more extensive larger animal studies for assessment of regeneration before human trials where relief of symptoms can be more easily assessed.     

不同体位下按压手法治疗腰椎间盘突出症的三维有限元分析

目的: 通过有限元分析法比较不同体位下按压手法治疗腰椎间盘突出症(lumbar disc herniation,LDH)三维模型的生物力学作用。方法: 收集1例48岁LDH女性患者(身高163 cm,体重53 kg)的腰椎CT图像,使用Mimics 20.0、Geomagic Studio、Solidwords等软件建立L_4,5节段LDH患者的三维有限元模型。分别模拟水平位置、前屈30°、后伸10°体位下的按压手法,在施加按压力之后,观察不同体位下按压手法对椎间盘、神经根各个组织的应力、应变、位移的影响。结果: 成功建立L_4,5节段的有限元模型,并验证模型有效,分别在水平位置、前屈30°、后伸10°体位下进行按压手法时,纤维环应力大小分别为0.732、5.929、1.286 MPa,髓核应力大小分别为0.190、1.527、0.295 MPa,纤维环应变大小分别为0.097、0.922、0.424,髓核应变大小分别为0.153、1.222、0.282;椎间盘在Y方向上的整体位移距离分别为-3.707、-18.990、-4.171 mm,神经根在Y方向上的位移距离分别为+7.836、+5.341、+3.859 mm;神经根和椎间盘在Y方向上的相对位移距离分别为11.543、24.331、8.030 mm。结论: 按压手法能使突出的椎间盘产生收缩和回纳趋势,通过增加突出椎间盘和神经根之间的距离,达到减轻神经压迫症状,达到对LDH的治疗目的,其中在前屈30°时按压手法作用效果更佳。     

In vitro torsion-induced stress distribution changes in porcine intervertebral discs.

STUDY DESIGN: A cadaveric porcine spine motion segment experiment was conducted. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that small vertebral rotations cause increased stress in the anulus while decreasing stress in the nucleus through stiffening of the anulus. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Stress profiles of the intervertebral disc reportedly depend on degeneration grade and external loading. Increased stress in the anulus was found during asymmetric loading. In addition, depressurization of the nucleus combined with an instantaneous disc height increase was found when small (<2 degrees ) axial vertebral rotations were applied. METHODS: Seven lumbar porcine cadaveric motion segments consisting of two vertebrae and the intervening disc with ligaments were loaded in the neutral position with 340 N of compression. Stress profiles were obtained in the neutral position, then after 0.5 degrees and 1 degrees axial rotation of the bottom vertebral body. The distribution of compressive stress in the disc matrix was measured by pulling a miniature pressure transducer through the disc along a straight path in the midfrontal plane. Stress profiles were measured in vertical (0 degrees ) and horizontal (90 degrees ) orientation. RESULTS: Deformation of the anulus by small axial rotations of the lower vertebra instantaneously decreased the horizontally and vertically measured stress in the nucleus while increasing stress in the anulus. A 1-hour period of creep loading decreased the stresses in the nucleus and the anulus 20% to 30%, depending on the orientation, but the effect of an increasing stress in the anular region after axial rotation persisted. CONCLUSIONS: The compressive Young's modulus of the composite anulus tissue increases instantaneously when small axial rotations are applied to porcine spine motion segments. This is accompanied by decreased stress in the nucleus pulposus, increased stress in the anulus fibrosus, changes in the stress profile superimposed on and independent of prolonged viscoelastic creep and dehydration, and changes in stress distribution independent of horizontal and vertical orientation.     

Effects of a new shape‐memory alloy interspinous process device on pressure distribution of the intervertebral disc and zygapophyseal joints in vitro

Objective: To quantify the pressure distribution of lumbar intervertebral discs and zygapophyseal joints with different degrees of distraction of the interspinous processes by using a new shape‐memory interspinous process stabilization device, and to research the relationship between changing disc and zygapophyseal joint loads and the degree of distraction of interspinous processes, and thus optimize usage of the implant. Methods: Six cadaver lumbar specimens (L₂–L₅) were loaded. The loads in disc and zygapophyseal joints were recorded at each L_3‐4 disc level. Implants with different spacer heights were then placed by turn and the pressure measurements repeated. Results: An implant with 10 mm spacer height does not significantly share the load. A 12 mm implant reduces the posterior annulus load, and meanwhile decreases the zygapophyseal joints pressure, but only in extension. A 14 mm implant shares the loads of posterior annulus, nucleus, and zygapophyseal joints in extension and the neutral position, but slightly increases the anterior annulus' load. Though 16–20 mm implants do decrease the loads in the posterior annulus and zygapophyseal joints, the anterior annulus' load was apparently increased. Conclusion: Different degrees of distraction of the interspinous processes lead to different load distribution on the intervertebral disc. The implant tested is not appropriate in cases of serious spinal stenosis because of the contradiction that, while over‐distraction of the interspinous processes decreases the posterior annulus and the zygapophyseal joints load and distracts the intervertebral foramina, it leads to a marked increase in the load of the anterior annulus, which is recognized to accelerate disc degeneration.     

成人腰椎软骨终板的组织学特征

目的探讨健康成人腰椎软骨终板组织学特征。方法选取18具新鲜成人尸体腰椎标本,死亡原因为车祸伤或意外,无腰椎外伤和糖尿病。从8个不同区域取材,制备软骨终板样本,利用高敏感测高仪测量软骨终板厚度,通过显微镜观察经HE染色后终板的组织学特征。结果不同区域软骨终板厚度差异有统计学意义(P 0.05),终板厚度为0.696～1.045 mm,后区下部终板最厚,中央区上部最薄。HE染色结果显示,软骨终板的细胞密度比髓核和纤维环的细胞密度高,软骨终板中央区和侧区的胶原纤维分别比髓核和纤维环组织中的胶原纤维更加紧密。结论腰椎不同区域软骨终板厚度不同,其组织学特征与椎间盘的营养供应相关。     

Analysis of rabbit intervertebral disc physiology based on water metabolism. I. Factors influencing metabolism of the normal intervertebral discs

Basic factors influencing the metabolism of intervertebral discs of rabbits were quantitatively analyzed based on the water metabolism. The blood flow surrounding the intervertebral disc was calculated using pharmacokinetic concepts from the data obtained by time-related tritiated water distribution analyses. The blood flow was estimated as 0.056 (mg/min/mg tissue) in the anterior annulus, 0.106 in the posterior annulus, 0.120 in the lateral annulus, and 0.084 in the nucleus pulposus, respectively (Experiment 1). Water content and fixed charge density in the intervertebral disc fractions also were measured (Experiment 2). The cations and uncharged small solutes transported into the disc tissue ranged in descending order from nucleus pulposus, lateral annulus, posterior annulus, to anterior annulus. The authors also calculated theoretically the swelling pressure of the proteoglycan in the intervertebral disc fractions from the results of Experiment 2. It was concluded that swelling pressure was highest in the nucleus pulposus, and lowest in the anterior annulus. The water in the posterior annulus is less exchangeable than in the other disc tissue fractions.     

兔髓核与纤维环细胞生物学特性差异的研究

目的:同时建立兔髓核细胞与纤维环细胞体外培养模型,比较两者生物学特性差异。方法:新西兰大白兔5只(2～3kg,雌雄不限),无菌条件下分离髓核及纤维环,酶消化法联合组织块法含15%FBS的DMEM/F12(1∶1)培养液培养,当细胞90%融合后进行传代培养。通过倒置相差显微镜观测细胞形态,台盼蓝染色测定细胞活力,甲苯胺蓝和HE染色进行组织学观察,MTT法测定细胞增殖,分析比较髓核细胞与纤维环细胞形态、活力、增殖的差异。结果:原代及第1代髓核细胞和纤维环细胞形态上无明显差异,第2代髓核细胞开始有空泡出现。髓核细胞较纤维环细胞贴壁时间晚、细胞活力低;原代髓核细胞从第9天开始增殖速度较纤维环细胞慢(P<0.05)。结论:纤维环细胞的细胞活性明显高于髓核细胞。椎间盘退变性疾病可能是由髓核发生衰退引起,从而局部生物力学改变,导致纤维环破裂等组织结构的改变及功能的丢失。     

Human intervertebral disc internal strain in compression: The effect of disc region,loading position,and degeneration

The primary function of the disc is mechanical; therefore, degenerative changes in disc mechanics and the interactions between the annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) in nondegenerate and degenerate discs are important to functional evaluation. The disc experiences complex loading conditions, including mechanical interactions between the pressurized NP and the surrounding fiber‐reinforced AF. Our objective was to noninvasively evaluate the internal deformations of nondegenerate and degenerate human discs under axial compression with flexion, neutral, and extension positions using magnetic resonance imaging and image correlation. The side of applied bending (e.g., anterior AF in flexion) had higher tensile radial and compressive axial strains, and the opposite side of bending exhibited tensile axial strains even though the disc was loaded under axial compression. Degenerated discs exhibited higher compressive axial and tensile radial strains, which suggest that load distribution through the disc subcomponents are altered with degeneration, likely due to the depressurized NP placing more of the applied load directly on the AF. The posterior AF exhibited higher compressive axial and higher tensile radial strains than the other AF regions, and the strains were not correlated with degeneration, suggesting this region undergoes high strains throughout life, which may predispose it to failure and tears. In addition to understanding internal disc mechanics, this study provides important new data into the changes in internal strain with degeneration, data for validation of finite element models, and provides a technique and baseline data for evaluating surgical treatments. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 547–555, 2011     

Restoration of compressive loading properties of lumbar discs with a nucleus implant—a finite element analysis study

Background ContextDiscectomy is a common procedure for treating sciatica. However, both the operation and preceding herniated disc alter the biomechanical properties of the spinal segment. The disc mechanics are also altered in patients with chronic contained herniation. The biomechanical properties of the disc can potentially be restored with an elastomeric nucleus replacement implanted via minimally invasive surgery.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine whether the compressive characteristics of the intervertebral disc after a nucleotomy can be restored with an elastomeric nucleus replacement.Study DesignA finite element model of the L4–L5 intervertebral disc was created to investigate the effect of the implantation of an elastomeric nucleus replacement on the biomechanical properties of the disc under axial loading.MethodA L4–L5 physiologic intervertebral disc model was constructed and then modified to contain a range by volume of nucleotomies and nucleus replacements. The material properties of the nucleus replacement were based on experimental data for an elastomeric implant. The compressive stiffness, radial annular bulge, and stress distribution of the nucleotomy and nucleus replacement models were investigated under displacement-controlled loading.ResultsRemoval of nucleus pulposus from the physiologic disc reduced the force necessary to compress the disc 2 mm by 50%, altered the von Mises stress distribution, and reduced the outward radial annular bulge. Replacing the natural nucleus pulposus of the physiologic disc with an artificial nucleus reduced the force required to compress the disc 2 mm by 10%, indicating a restoration of disc compressive stiffness. The von Mises stress distribution and annular bulge observed in the disc with an artificial nucleus were similar to that observed in the physiologic disc.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that despite having different material properties, a nucleus replacement implant can restore the axial compressive mechanical properties of a disc after a discectomy. The implant carries compressive load and transfers the load into annular hoop stress.