Review of the fluid flow within intervertebral discs - How could in vitro measurements replicate in vivo?

摘要

By maintaining a balance between external mechanical loads and internal osmotic pressure, fluid content of intervertebral discs constantly alters causing fluctuations in disc hydration, height, diameter and pressure that govern disc temporal response. This paper reviews and discusses the relevant findings of earlier studies on the disc fluid flow with the aim to understand and remedy discrepancies between in vivo and in vitro observations. New results of finite element model studies are also exploited in order to help identify the likely causes for such differences and underlying mechanisms observed in vitro.