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Correlation between biomechanical properties of the annulus fibrosus and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings

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Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the regional tensile properties of human annulus fibrosus (AF) and relate them to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

Methods

44 human cadaveric lumbar spines were harvested (24 male, 20 female, aged 25–64 years). MRI was used to identify Pfirrmann grade of disc degeneration, and Modic changes (MCs). Intervertebral discs were then removed and dissected into five regions: nucleus pulposus, anterior AF, anterolateral AF, lateral AF, and posterolateral AF. Samples for tensile testing (1.5 mm × 1.5 mm × 5 mm) were removed from inner, middle and outer parts of each region.

Results

1969 specimens from 189 discs were stretched to failure. Average tensile stiffness (modulus) increased from 4.80 MPa in the inner AF to 13.0 MPa in the outer AF. Strength (UTS) increased similarly, from 1.18 to 3.29 MPa, whereas elongation at failure decreased, from 49 to 38 %. The only significant change with age was a reduction in UTS in the middle annulus. In contrast, severe grades of disc degeneration were associated with consistent and highly significant reductions in tensile properties. Effects were greatest in the outer AF, where stiffness and strength fell by 29 and 43 %, respectively. Modic changes also were associated with reduced stiffness and strength, but here the effects were greatest in the inner and middle AF.

Conclusion

Weakening of degenerated AF may be caused by accumulating structural defects, and enzymatic degradation. MRI has the potential to identify local weakening of the AF.

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Acknowledgments

National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31270997 and No.81171739) grant funds were received to support this work. The authors wish to express their gratitude to Professor Michael Adams and Dr. Trish Dolan for sharing their data and providing assistance with the article.

Conflict of interest

Authors have no potential conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, No. 3, Qingchun Road East, Hangzhou, 310016, People’s Republic of China

    Zhi Shan, Shengyun Li, Junhui Liu, Maiwulanjiang Mamuti, Chongyan Wang & Fengdong Zhao

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  1. Zhi Shan
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  2. Shengyun Li
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  3. Junhui Liu
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Correspondence to Fengdong Zhao.

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Shan, Z., Li, S., Liu, J. et al. Correlation between biomechanical properties of the annulus fibrosus and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Eur Spine J 24, 1909–1916 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-015-4061-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-015-4061-4

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