Stress in lumbar intervertebral discs during distraction: a cadaveric study

Ralph E. Gay, Brice Ilharreborde, Kristin D. Zhao, Lawrence J. Berglund, Gert Bronfort, Kai Nan An

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background context: The intervertebral disc is a common source of low back pain (LBP). Prospective studies suggest that treatments that intermittently distract the disc might be beneficial for chronic LBP. Although the potential exists for distraction therapies to affect the disc biomechanically, their effect on intradiscal stress is debated. Purpose: To determine if distraction alone, distraction combined with flexion, or distraction combined with extension can reduce nucleus pulposus pressure and posterior annulus compressive stress in cadaveric lumbar discs compared with simulated standing or lying. Study design: Laboratory study using single cadaveric motion segments. Outcome measures: Strain gauge measures of nucleus pulposus pressure and compressive stress in the anterior and posterior annulus fibrosus. Methods: Intradiscal stress profilometry was performed on 15 motion segments during 5 simulated conditions: standing, lying, and 3 distracted conditions. Disc degeneration was graded by inspection from 1 (normal) to 4 (severe degeneration). Results: All distraction conditions markedly reduced nucleus pressure compared with either simulated standing or lying. There was no difference between distraction with flexion and distraction with extension in regard to posterior annulus compressive stress. Discs with little or no degeneration appeared to distribute compressive stress differently than those with moderate or severe degeneration. Conclusions: Distraction appears to predictably reduce nucleus pulposus pressure. The effect of distraction therapy on the distribution of compressive stress may be dependent in part on the health of the disc.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)982-990
Number of pages9
JournalSpine Journal
Volume8
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2008

Keywords

  • Biomechanics
  • Intervertebral disk
  • Lumbar spine
  • Spinal manipulation
  • Stress profilometry

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Clinical Neurology

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