Intervertebral disc creep behaviour through viscoelastic models: an in-vitro study

The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a complex biological structure that ensures the spine strength, stability, mobility, and flexibility. This is achieved due to its biphasic nature which is attained by its solid phase (annulus fibrosus) and fluid phases (nucleus pulposus). Hence, the IVD biomechanical response to long-term loads, which is critical as it affects hydration, and nutrients-water transport influencing disc height reduction, has been further explored and mathematically modelled in this paper. An in-vitro study was performed on seven human lumbar spine specimens (L4-5), to assess if the classical rheological models and Nutting’s power law can model in a simple way the intermediate characteristics between solid and fluid of the IVD. Creep tests were conducted by applying a static compression load of 500 N for 15 min. A correlation analysis was done (Pearson, p < 0.05) between the model parameters and the maximum value of Disc Height Reduction, followed by a linear regression analysis. In summary, the long-term IVD mechanical behavior was modeled in a simple way, emphasizing that yet there is no mathematical certainty about this mechanical behavior. Hence, a future aim might be to develop intervertebral disc prostheses capable of replicating only the disc mechanical response, without necessarily considering the microscopic-level biological drivers. Therefore, a future goal is to fully understand and model the disc’s mechanical response toward the design of new disc prostheses that would consider only the macroscopic aspect, without considering the biological aspects.