Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Precision Measurements and Parametric Models of Vertebral Endplates
Published on: September 17, 2019
Influence of fluid-flow direction on effective permeability of the vertebral end plate: an analytical model
P Swider1, F Accadbled, J M Laffosse
1IMFT UMR CNRS 5502, University of Toulouse, Toulouse, France. swider@cict.fr
Abstract:
Convective transports in the vertebral end plate (VEP) play a significant role in the homeostasis of the spine. A few studies hypothesised that the hydraulic resistance or effective permeability of the VEP could be dependant upon fluid-flow direction. Results were influenced by species, region of interest within the end plate and pathology. Some results were contradictory. We propose an analytical model based on steady-state Newtonian flows in capillary media to develop a phenomenological analysis of convective transport through the VEP. This dependence was established using a biquadratic analytical function involving porosities of subchondral bone, capillary bed and cartilage end plate. Discussion of results provided a theoretical justification for variable and/or contradictory experimental results concerning the amount of energy lost by fluid during its course through the end plate. Tissue porosities and, especially, those relative to the capillary bed could strongly influence the dependence of fluid energy loss on flow direction and could potentially modify tissue homeostasis related to the day and night cycle.
Related Concept Videos
Steady, Laminar Flow Between Parallel Plates
Typical Model Studies
Design Example: Creating a Hydraulic Model of a Dam Spillway
Couette Flow
Fluid Pressure over Flat Plate of Variable Width
The pressure distribution on the plate can be calculated by determining the force that acts on a differential area strip of the plate. Thus, the magnitude of the force is equal to the...
Applications of Integration to Find Blood Flow
