Effect of Anulus Fibrosus Repair on Lumbar Spine Biomechanics

Low back pain is sometimes related to, but not necessarily caused by, anulus fibrosus (AF) ruptures. Studies on low back pain have estimated an annual incidence of 5% and prevalence of 15% to 20% in United States alone [1]. Disc degeneration with or without herniation is frequently implicated in low back pain and sciatica, and is believed to be associated with segmental instability of the spine [2].