Degeneration and Aging Affect the Tensile Behavior of Human Lumbar Anulus Fibrosus

Acaroğlu, Emre; Iatridis, James C.; Setton, L.A.; Foster, Robert J.; Mow, Van C.; Weidenbaum, Mark

doi:10.1097/00007632-199512150-00010

Cited by 265 publications

(216 citation statements)

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“…Toe region modulus is positively correlated with age [18]. These changes appear consistent with an increase in elastin content, given the demonstrated role of elastic fibres in reinforcing the stiffness of the extracellular matrix [61], although other matrix changes such as increased glycation and decreased hydration also likely contribute [1,69].…”

Section: Roles Of Elastic Fibres In the Ageing And Degeneration Of Thsupporting

confidence: 55%

“…In the radial orientation, tissue from moderately degenerate discs displays weakened yield strength and ultimate tensile strength, and increased toe and linear-region modulus compared with non-degenerate discs [15,61]. In the circumferential orientation, Poisson's ratio increases, and tensile yield strength, strain energy density and fibre reorientation decrease with degeneration [1,18]. Toe region modulus is positively correlated with age [18].…”

Section: Roles Of Elastic Fibres In the Ageing And Degeneration Of Thmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The elastic fibre network of the human lumbar anulus fibrosus: architecture, mechanical function and potential role in the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration

Smith

Fazzalari

2009

Eur Spine J

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Elastic fibres are critical constituents of dynamic biological structures that functionally require elasticity and resilience. The network of elastic fibres in the anulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc is extensive, however until recently, the majority of histological, biochemical and biomechanical studies have focussed on the roles of other extracellular matrix constituents such as collagens and proteoglycans. The resulting lack of detailed descriptions of elastic fibre network architecture and mechanical function has limited understanding of the potentially important contribution made by elastic fibres to healthy disc function and their possible roles in the progression of disc degeneration. In addition, it has made it difficult to postulate what the consequences of elastic fibre related disorders would be for intervertebral disc behaviour, and to develop treatments accordingly. In this paper, we review recent and historical studies which have examined both the structure and the function of the human lumbar anulus fibrosus elastic fibre network, provide a synergistic discussion in an attempt to clarify its potentially critical contribution both to normal intervertebral disc behaviour and the processes relating to its degeneration, and recommend critical areas for future research.

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Section: Roles Of Elastic Fibres In the Ageing And Degeneration Of Thsupporting

confidence: 55%

Section: Roles Of Elastic Fibres In the Ageing And Degeneration Of Thmentioning

confidence: 99%

The elastic fibre network of the human lumbar anulus fibrosus: architecture, mechanical function and potential role in the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration

Smith

Fazzalari

2009

Eur Spine J

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“…The anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments remained intact along with the intervertebral disc. Each superior and inferior vertebral body was prepared for rigid fixation to the testing apparatus by passing wires through the body and then embedding these wires along with 1 3 of the body height into PMMA (Fig. 2).…”

Section: Radiographic Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Lumbar intervertebral discs change morphologically, biochemically, and biomechanically with advancing age, [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] changes that are characterized as disc degeneration and are implicated as the origin of low back pain. Unfortunately, the initiating and perpetuating factors of disc degeneration are unknown, so despite the pain, disability, and economic loss associated with disc degeneration, intervention and mitigation strategies cannot effectively proceed.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Intervertebral disc degeneration in a naturally occurring primate model: Radiographic and biomechanical evidence

Nuckley

Kramer

Rosario

et al. 2008

Journal Orthopaedic Research

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Classic degenerative disc disease is a serious health problem worldwide, whose etiological basis-mechanical stimulus, biochemical changes, or natural aging-is poorly understood. Animal models are critical to the study of degenerative disc disease initiation and progression and for attempts to regulate, ameliorate, or eliminate it. The macaque represents a primate model with natural disc degeneration that might serve to advance the field; we aimed to provide radiographic (morphologic) and biomechanical evidence of natural disc degeneration in this model. A factorial study design was used to examine the relationship between the radiographic appearance of disc degeneration and its biomechanical consequences. Eighteen macaques of advanced age (22.3 AE 0.9 years) had radiographs taken to assess the degree of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc degeneration using a standard atlas method. Each spine was harvested and dynamic biomechanical tests were performed. Advancing disc degeneration (degree of disc space narrowing and osteophytosis) was associated with increased stiffness, decreased energy absorption, and increased natural frequency of the intervertebral disc. These associations linking the dynamics of the intervertebral disc and its degree of degeneration are similar to those found in humans. Our results indicate the macaque model with morphologic and biomechanical efficacy could aid in understanding the progression of disc degeneration and in developing therapeutic strategies to prevent or inhibit its course. Keywords: intervertebral disc; disc degeneration; Macaca fascicularis; disc dynamics; biomechanics Lumbar intervertebral discs change morphologically, biochemically, and biomechanically with advancing age, 1-10 changes that are characterized as disc degeneration and are implicated as the origin of low back pain. Unfortunately, the initiating and perpetuating factors of disc degeneration are unknown, so despite the pain, disability, and economic loss associated with disc degeneration, intervention and mitigation strategies cannot effectively proceed. Morphologically, dehydration and diminished cellularity of the nucleus pulposus and disorganization and lesions of the annulus fibrosus demarcate disc degeneration. These changes manifest as decreased disc height, increased radial bulging, and osteophyte formation. 11,12 Morphologic changes are intrinsically tied to the biochemistry and biomechanics of the system, and visible and radiographic changes are used to define gradations of disc degeneration. [13][14][15][16] The altered biomechanical response of degenerate disc tissues have been measured. [2][3][4][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Disc stiffness decreases with low-grade degeneration and increases with the most severe degeneration, while energy absorption decreases throughout degeneration. Further, spinal segment range of motion and neutral zone increase with advancing degeneration up to the most severely degenerated discs, where these properties reverse course with increasing stiffness. Unfortun...

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“…Nucleus pulposus pressure decreases in proportion to the degree of degeneration in persons with chronic LBP [3]. The tensile modulus and Poisson's ratio of the anulus fibrosus are likewise reduced [4]. As a result, anulus fibrosus fibers fail at lower loads leading to further degeneration [5] and abnormal spinal motion [6][7][8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stress in lumbar intervertebral discs during distraction: a cadaveric study

et al. 2008

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Degeneration and Aging Affect the Tensile Behavior of Human Lumbar Anulus Fibrosus

Cited by 265 publications

References 0 publications

The elastic fibre network of the human lumbar anulus fibrosus: architecture, mechanical function and potential role in the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration

The elastic fibre network of the human lumbar anulus fibrosus: architecture, mechanical function and potential role in the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration in a naturally occurring primate model: Radiographic and biomechanical evidence

Stress in lumbar intervertebral discs during distraction: a cadaveric study

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