Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Intervertebral Disc: Effects of In Vivo Loading Conditions and Endplate Calcification on Glucose Distributions

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD) of the spine is a common condition which has been implicated as a factor leading to low back pain. Poor nutritional supply is believed to be a primary contributor to IVD degeneration. Because the disc is the largest avascular structure in the body, cells must rely on transport of important nutrients, such as glucose and oxygen, from the surrounding vasculature in order to maintain cell viability in the disc tissue. Due to difficulty in obtaining data in vivo, theoretical modeling is a useful tool to supplement experimental results and predict in vivo conditions.