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Related Concept Videos

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction01:29

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction

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Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
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Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:23

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The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...
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Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction01:27

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Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...
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Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins...
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Breathing, otherwise known as pulmonary ventilation, is the process of air movement into and out of the lungs. The main mechanisms propelling pulmonary ventilation are atmospheric pressure (Patm), intra-pulmonary (Ppul ) or intra-alveolar pressure (Palv) within the alveoli, and intrapleural pressure (Pip) within the pleural cavity.
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Updated: Apr 21, 2026

A Proinflammatory, Degenerative Organ Culture Model to Simulate Early-Stage Intervertebral Disc Disease.
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Intradiscal pressurisation predicts intervertebral disc herniation: insights from a low-cost, open-source loading

Thomas D Slater1, Ni Yia Choy1, Matthew J Kibble1

  • 1Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK.

Journal of Biomechanics
|April 19, 2026
PubMed
Summary

A new low-cost, open-source rig enables physiologically relevant multi-axis loading for studying disc herniation. This system reliably induced herniation in bovine tail discs, advancing spinal research and treatment development.

Keywords:
Disc herniationEx vivoIntradiscal pressureMechanical rigMulti-axis loading

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Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Orthopedics
  • Spinal Biomechanics

Background:

  • Ex vivo biomechanical research is crucial for understanding disc herniation and developing spinal treatments.
  • Current commercial systems for multi-axis loading are often costly or mechanically restrictive, hindering research.
  • Reproducing physiologically relevant loading conditions remains a significant challenge in spinal biomechanics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a low-cost, open-source experimental rig for simulating physiologically relevant multi-axis loading conditions.
  • To characterize the performance of the developed rig under various loading scenarios.
  • To evaluate the rig's capability in inducing disc herniation in ex vivo models.

Main Methods:

  • Development of an open-source rig integrating with standard hydraulic testing machines, adding flexion-extension capabilities.
  • Rig characterization using uniaxial, cyclic, and three-degree-of-freedom loading protocols.
  • Evaluation of prolonged cyclic loading and flexion-compression to failure on bovine tail discs (n=18) instrumented with pressure probes.

Main Results:

  • The rig demonstrated precise load application with off-axis moments <0.5 Nm and RMS errors ≤2% for axial compression/rotation and ≤7% for lateral bending.
  • Accurate load application was confirmed up to 2 Hz, with reduced accuracy at 10 Hz.
  • The rig successfully induced disc herniation in bovine tail discs, with the pressure-force slope discriminating herniation status (AUC=0.92, p<0.001).

Conclusions:

  • The developed open-source rig provides a cost-effective and mechanically capable solution for physiologically relevant multi-axis loading in spinal research.
  • The rig reliably induces disc herniation in ex vivo models, facilitating further investigation into herniation mechanisms.
  • Intradiscal pressurization was identified as a significant predictor of disc herniation, offering insights for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.