Abstract

The mechanical properties of the intact intervertebral disc may change if the specimen has been frozen prior to testing. Previous studies of various tissues and of the time-independent behavior of the intact disc have yielded conflicting results. The effect of frozen storage on the time-dependent behavior of the intact disc has not been investigated. We measured the displacement vs. time response of fresh and fresh-frozen intact IVDs subjected to repeated cycles of compressive creep and relaxation, and analyzed the results using a 3-parameter fluid transport model. Frozen storage dramatically affected the time-dependent behavior of the disc in compression, and permanent damage to the disc is indicated.

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