Torsional fatigue of the lumbar intervertebral joints

Y K Liu; V K Goel; A Dejong; G Njus; K Nishiyama; J Buckwalter

doi:10.1097/00007632-198512000-00006

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Torsional fatigue of the lumbar intervertebral joints

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Torsional fatigue of the lumbar intervertebral joints

Y K Liu, V K Goel, A Dejong, G Njus, K Nishiyama and J Buckwalter

Spine (Philadelphia, Pa. 1976), Vol.10(10), pp.894-900

12/1985

DOI: 10.1097/00007632-198512000-00006

PMID: 3832457

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Abstract

The effect of cyclic torsional loads on the behavior of intact lumbar intervertebral joints was investigated. A total of 24 specimens, divided in two groups, were tested. In the first group, a specimen was subjected to a specified constant cyclic torque, and the resulting change in angular displacement with time was recorded. The specimens in the second group were subjected to a specified constant angular displacement and the resultant torque recorded. The results of the constant torque tests showed that fatigue failure was primarily a function of the averaged initial angular displacement and secondarily of the applied torque. The critical threshold values appear to be an initial angular displacement of +/- 1.5 degrees. All specimens, displaying an averaged initial angular displacement of less than +/- 1.5 degrees, did not fail in fatigue, while the others did. However, the specimens with angular displacements of less than +/- 1.5 degrees had lower applied torques (11.3 and 22.6 Nm), while specimens with higher applied torques (33.9 and 45.2 Nm) all exceeded the +/- 1.5 degrees threshold and failed in fatigue. Failure locations occurred in such diverse regions as end-plates, facets, laminae, capsular ligaments, etc. All specimens exhibited a synovial fluid discharge from the apophyseal joint capsule sometime during testing. Post-test examinations of all the cartilage surfaces showed fibrillation, whether or not the intervertebral joint failed.

Biomechanical Phenomena

Humans

Middle Aged

Stress, Mechanical

Adult

Female

Joints - physiology

Male

Aged

Intervertebral Disc - physiology

Cadaver

Lumbar Vertebrae - physiology

Details

Title: Subtitle: Torsional fatigue of the lumbar intervertebral joints
Creators: Y K Liu
V K Goel
A Dejong
G Njus
K Nishiyama
J Buckwalter
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Spine (Philadelphia, Pa. 1976), Vol.10(10), pp.894-900
DOI: 10.1097/00007632-198512000-00006
PMID: 3832457
NLM abbreviation: Spine (Phila Pa 1976)
ISSN: 0362-2436
eISSN: 1528-1159
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; United States
Grant note: AM 32954-01 / NIADDK NIH HHS GM 26608-04 / NIGMS NIH HHS 23-P-59176 / PHS HHS
Language: English
Date published: 12/1985
Academic Unit: Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Orthopedics and Rehabilitation; Injury Prevention Research Center
Record Identifier: 9984040323502771

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