A model is developed of the stress-strain response of an intervertebral disc to axial compression. This is based on a balance of increased intradiscal pressure, resulting from the compression of the disc, and the restraining forces generated by the collagen fibres within the annulus fibrosus. A formula is derived for predicting the loading force on a disc once the nucleus pressure is known. Measured material values of L3 and L4 discs are used to make quantitative predictions. The results compare reasonably well with experimental results.
Citation: Matthias Ngwa, Ephraim Agyingi. A mathematical model of the compression of a spinal disc[J]. Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering, 2011, 8(4): 1061-1083. doi: 10.3934/mbe.2011.8.1061
Abstract
A model is developed of the stress-strain response of an intervertebral disc to axial compression. This is based on a balance of increased intradiscal pressure, resulting from the compression of the disc, and the restraining forces generated by the collagen fibres within the annulus fibrosus. A formula is derived for predicting the loading force on a disc once the nucleus pressure is known. Measured material values of L3 and L4 discs are used to make quantitative predictions. The results compare reasonably well with experimental results.