The role of biomechanical factors in models of intervertebral disc degeneration across multiple length scales.

Low back pain is the leading cause of disability, producing a substantial socio-economic burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a primary cause of lower back pain, and while regenerative therapies aimed at full functional recovery of the disc have been developed in recent years, no commercially available, approved devices or therapies for the regeneration of the IVD currently exist. In the development of these new approaches, numerous models for mechanical stimulation and preclinical assessment, including cell studies using microfluidics, organ studies coupled with bioreactors and mechanical testing rigs, and testing in a variety of large and small animals, have emerged.

Thunder road - whole-body vibration during road cycling, and the effect of different seatpost designs to minimise it.

Exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) increases the risk of low back pain, spinal degeneration, and injury. Cycling can expose participants to WBV, but there are limited data available. This preliminary study quantified WBV in road cyclists in accordance with ISO 2631-1, and determined the efficacy of two seatposts designed to minimise vibration, compared to an aluminium alloy seatpost.

The application of physiological loading using a dynamic, multi-axis spine simulator.

In-vitro testing protocols used for spine studies should replicate the in-vivo load environment as closely as possible. Unconstrained moments are regularly employed to test spinal specimens in-vitro, but applying such loads dynamically using an active six-axis testing system remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the capability of a custom-developed spine simulator to apply dynamic unconstrained moments with an axial preload.

An investigation into axial impacts of the cervical spine using digital image correlation.

Background Context: High-energy impacts are commonly encountered during sports such as rugby union. Although catastrophic injuries resulting from such impacts are rare, the consequences can be devastating for all those involved. A greater level of understanding of cervical spine injury mechanisms is required, with the ultimate aim of minimizing such injuries.

The dynamic, six-axis stiffness matrix testing of porcine spinal specimens.

Background Context: Complex testing protocols are required to fully understand the biomechanics of the spine. There remains limited data concerning the mechanical properties of spinal specimens under dynamic loading conditions in six axes.

Purpose: To provide new data on the mechanical properties of functional spinal unit (FSU) and isolated disc (ISD) spinal specimens in 6 df.

The development of a dynamic, six-axis spine simulator.

Background Context: Although a great deal of research has been completed to characterize the stiffness of spinal specimens, there remains a limited understanding of the spine in 6 df and there is a lack of data from dynamic testing in six axes.

Purpose: This study details the development and validation of a dynamic six-axis spine simulator.

Study Design: Biomechanical study.