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- M. A. Adams
- Department of Anatomy, University of Bristol, Southwell Street, Bristol BS2 8EJ, UK.
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- D. S. McNally
- Department of Anatomy, University of Bristol, Southwell Street, Bristol BS2 8EJ, UK.
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- P. Dolan
- Department of Anatomy, University of Bristol, Southwell Street, Bristol BS2 8EJ, UK.
書誌事項
- タイトル別名
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- THE EFFECTS OF AGE AND DEGENERATION
説明
<jats:p> We investigated the distribution of compressive ‘stress’ within cadaver intervertebral discs, using a pressure transducer mounted in a 1.3 mm diameter needle. The needle was pulled along the midsagittal diameter of a lumbar disc with the face of the transducer either vertical or horizontal while the disc was subjected to a constant compressive force. The resulting ‘stress profiles’ were analysed in order to characterise the distribution of vertical and horizontal compressive stress within each disc. A total of 87 discs from subjects aged between 16 and 87 years was examined. </jats:p><jats:p> Our results showed that age-related degenerative changes reduced the diameter of the central hydrostatic region of each disc (the ‘functional nucleus’) by approximately 50%, and the pressure within this region fell by 30%. The width of the functional annulus increased by 80% and the height of compressive ‘stress peaks’ within it by 160%. The effects of age and degeneration were greater at L4/L5 than at L2/L3, and the posterior annulus was affected more than the anterior. Age and degeneration were themselves closely related, but the stage of degeneration had the greater effect on stress distributions. </jats:p><jats:p> We suggest that structural changes within the annulus and endplate lead to a transfer of load from the nucleus to the posterior annulus. High ‘stress’ concentrations within the annulus may cause pain, and lead to further disruption. </jats:p>
収録刊行物
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- The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volume
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The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volume 78-B (6), 965-972, 1996-11
British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery