The Influence of Axial Compression on the Cellular and Mechanical Function of Spinal Tissues; Emphasis on the Nucleus Pulposus and Annulus Fibrosus: A Review

John G McMorran; Diane E Gregory

doi:10.1115/1.4049749

The Influence of Axial Compression on the Cellular and Mechanical Function of Spinal Tissues; Emphasis on the Nucleus Pulposus and Annulus Fibrosus: A Review

J Biomech Eng. 2021 May 1;143(5):050802. doi: 10.1115/1.4049749.

Authors

John G McMorran¹, Diane E Gregory²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2 L 3C5.
² Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2 L 3C5; Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2 L 3C5.

PMID: 33454730
DOI: 10.1115/1.4049749

Abstract

In light of the correlation between chronic back pain and intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, this literature review seeks to illustrate the importance of the hydraulic response across the nucleus pulposus (NP)-annulus fibrosus (AF) interface, by synthesizing current information regarding injurious biomechanics of the spine, stemming from axial compression. Damage to vertebrae, endplates (EPs), the NP, and the AF, can all arise from axial compression, depending on the segment's posture, the manner in which it is loaded, and the physiological state of tissue. Therefore, this movement pattern was selected to illustrate the importance of the bracing effect of a pressurized NP on the AF, and how injuries interrupting support to the AF may contribute to IVD degeneration.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Annulus Fibrosus* / physiology
Biomechanical Phenomena
Compressive Strength
Humans
Intervertebral Disc / physiology
Intervertebral Disc / physiopathology
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / physiopathology
Nucleus Pulposus* / physiology
Stress, Mechanical
Weight-Bearing