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The aging disc: using an ovine model to examine age-related differences in the biomechanical properties of the intralamellar matrix of single lamellae

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Abstract

Purpose

To determine the effect of age on the biomechanical properties of the intralamellar matrix of single annulus fibrosus (AF) lamellae.

Methods

One intervertebral disc (IVD) was excised from five young (<12 months), five middle-aged (2–4 years) and five older (5–7 years) ovine lumbar spines. From each IVD, a maximum of four single AF lamellae samples were harvested: two from the anterior region and two from the posterior region. Tissues were mounted in a tensile testing apparatus such that tension was applied perpendicular to the orientation of the collagen fibers to isolate the intralamellar matrix. Variables of interest from the stress–strain relationship were: end of toe-region strain and corresponding stress, initial failure stress and strain, and elastic stiffness.

Results

When compared to the middle-aged and old samples, the intralamellar matrix of young AF samples displayed significantly higher stress values at the end of the end of toe-region (p = 0.008) and at initial failure (p = 0.002). Further, the young samples were stiffer than both middle-aged and old samples (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

This study was the first to show that the intralamellar matrix of single AF lamellae is weaker and more compliant in middle-aged and old ovine IVDs compared to young IVDs. These findings are likely a result of the remarkable age-related changes that occur that ultimately weaken the IVD as a whole.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5, Canada

    Danielle M. Stewart & Diane E. Gregory

  2. Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada

    Lauren A. Monaco

  3. Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada

    Diane E. Gregory

Authors
  1. Danielle M. Stewart
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  2. Lauren A. Monaco
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  3. Diane E. Gregory
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Correspondence to Diane E. Gregory.

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Stewart, D.M., Monaco, L.A. & Gregory, D.E. The aging disc: using an ovine model to examine age-related differences in the biomechanical properties of the intralamellar matrix of single lamellae. Eur Spine J 26, 259–266 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4603-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4603-4

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