Author: Natasha Jeyaveerasingan
Jeyaveerasingan, Natasha, 2024 Comparison of Hydration Characteristics and Macro-mechanical Properties of Spine segments between species, Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering
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Disc hydration is an important factor to be considered in the mechanical aspects of the spinal
column. This is linked to the time dependent mechanical behaviour of the intervertebral disc
(IVD), therefore it’s viscoelastic properties. The role of facet joints is also an important factor
to consider as it is responsible as it restricts uncontrolled movement of the vertebral column.
Although research has been conducted on the effects of hydration on mechanical properties,
further research is required to see how hydration is affected based on the presence of facet
joints, as well as investigating the mechanical properties based on these differing conditions.
The purpose of this study was to identify how hydration properties affect disc mechanics
and how the presence or absence of the facet joints can cause further implications on these
mechanics. This study was conducted using the methodology outlined which was extracted
from literature, however the dehydration factor of the study was conducted based on practise
and pilot testing. 3 porcine (pig) and 3 ovine (sheep) specimens were used, as this study
was to further investigate what roles different species played in terms of mechanics based
on their functional spinal unit (FSU).
Although further research is required to finalise the results evaluated from this study due to
limitations in sample number, the overall trend seen in the results were that ovine specimen
showed greater torsional stiffness compared to porcine. The most interesting finding from
the results evaluated was the hysteresis loss coefficient (HLC) based on compression
testing showed differing coefficients with increasing loading rates and increased HLC with
the presence of facet joints. Not much could be evaluated in terms of hydration, which could
be due to limitations outlined. This study can be further ventured into the future, where with
appropriate set up and the limitations are kept at minimum, can produce promising results.
This has the potential to address in vivo motion mechanics.
Keywords: Ovine, Porcine, Intervertebral disc, IVD, Macro-mechanics, Hydration, Functional spinal unit, FSU, Axial Torsion, Compression
Subject: Medical Biotechnology thesis
Thesis type: Masters
Completed: 2024
School: College of Science and Engineering
Supervisor: Associate Professor John Costi