2819 A Morphological and Biomechanical Measurement of the Rabbit Intervertebral Disc Using Micro CT Images

Abstract

Despite the significant impairment associated with degenerative disc disease, a clear understanding of pathogenesis of disc degeneration is still lacking. In order to clarify the relationship between degenerative disc disease and morphological and biomechanical properties, an accurate measurement method is needed. Recent advancement of medical imaging has allowed us to create an in vivo three dimensional (3D) computer model with high accuracy. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the disc height distribution and changes in stress distribution under compression loading of the rabbit lumbar intervertebral disc using a 3D computer model created from micro computer tomography images. The results of the study showed the contribution of 3D geometry of the endplate to stress concentration which may cause disc degeneration.