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Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration is a prevalent problem and is a key factor directly or indirectly related to low back pain. The mechanical environment of the cells in a degenerated disc is substantially altered, and likely influences the metabolic behavior of the cells. A more detailed and quantitative description of the stress-strain environment in and around the cells would be valuable to better understand the process by which the cells sense and react to the mechanical stimulus. Recent studies have greatly contributed to the pool of material property data describing the extracellular matrix and the intervertebral disc cells. And with the advent of laser scanning confocal microscopy, the ability to validate the in situ deformation of cells under externally applied loads is now possible. Therefore, the objective of this study has been to develop a finite element model of cells in the intervertebral disc, and to investigate the in situ mechanical environment of the cells under physiologic loading. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
