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A Novel Method for Repeatable Failure Testing of Annulus Fibrosus.
Benjamin Werbner1, Minhao Zhou1, Grace O'Connell2
1Mechanical Engineering Department, University of California, Berkeley, 2162 Etcheverry Hall, #1740, Berkeley, CA 94720-1740 e-mail: .
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering
|September 9, 2017
Summary
This study introduces notched specimen geometries to reliably test annulus fibrosus (AF) tissue failure. Modified dog-bone shapes ensure consistent failure at the midlength, improving mechanical property data for AF repair research.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Biomechanics
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Annulus fibrosus (AF) tears lead to disk herniation and degeneration.
- Understanding AF failure mechanics is crucial for developing biological repair strategies.
- Current research faces challenges due to high variability and lack of standardized testing for fiber-reinforced tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of midlength (ML) notch geometries in achieving repeatable tissue failure in AF specimens.
- To enhance the consistency and reliability of mechanical property data for AF tissue.
- To establish a framework for evaluating failure properties in similar fiber-reinforced tissues.
Main Methods:
- Development of finite element models (FEMs) to predict failure locations for various notch geometries.
- Validation of FEM predictions through experimental mechanical testing of AF specimens.
- Comparison of mechanical properties between notched and un-notched specimens.
Main Results:
- FEM predictions showed high agreement (∼90%) with experimental results.
- Specific "half" and "quarter" notch geometries successfully localized failure to the ML in different fiber orientations.
- Notched specimens failing at the ML exhibited significantly lower variance in mechanical properties.
Conclusions:
- Midlength notch geometries effectively produce consistent and reliable AF tissue failure.
- This methodology improves the accuracy of mechanical testing for AF tissue.
- The developed approach can be applied to assess failure properties of other fiber-reinforced tissues like tendons and meniscus.
