Cyclic loading history alters the joint compression tolerance and regional indentation responses in the cartilaginous endplate.

This study quantified the effect of subthreshold loading histories that differed by joint posture (neutral, flexed), peak loading variation (10%, 20%, 40%), and loading duration (1000, 3000, 5000 cycles) on the post-loading Ultimate Compressive Tolerance (UCT), yield force, and regional Cartilaginous End Plate (CEP) indentation responses (loading stiffness and creep displacement). One hundred and fourteen porcine spinal units were included. Following conditioning and cyclic compression exposures, spinal units were transected and one endplate from each vertebra underwent subsequent UCT or microindentation testing. UCT testing was conducted by compressing a single vertebra at a rate of 3 kN/s using an indenter fabricated to a representative intervertebral disc size and shape. Force and actuator position were sampled at 100 Hz. Non-destructive uniaxial CEP indentation was performed at five surface locations (central, anterior, posterior, right, left) using a Motoman robot and aluminum indenter (3 mm hemisphere). Force and end-effector position were sampled at 10 Hz. A significant three-way interaction was observed for UCT (p = 0.038). Compared to neutral, the UCT was, on average, 1.9 kN less following each flexed loading duration. No effect of variation was observed in flexion; however, 40% variation caused the UCT to decrease by an average of 2.13 kN and 2.06 kN following 3000 and 5000 cycles, respectively. The indentation stiffness in the central CEP mimicked the UCT response. These results demonstrate a profound effect of posture on post-loading UCT and CEP behaviour. Control of peak compression exposures became particularly relevant only when a neutral posture was maintained and beyond the midpoint of the predicated lifespan.