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- Talk
- 07/09/2020
- UK
An In Vitro Methodology to Assess Intervertebral Disc Mechanics for Nucleus Augmentation
Description
In this presentation, Andrew Dixon discusses his PhD research centered on in vitro methodologies aimed at assessing nucleus augmentation in intervertebral disks. He highlights the prevalence of back pain and degeneration, emphasizing the need for novel treatments hindered by inconsistent in vitro methodologies. The focus of his work involves the complex viscoelastic interactions between the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus in the disks, which are dependent on hydration and time.
Dixon introduces a sequential state testing method to analyze the long-term mechanical behavior of intervertebral disks without conducting extensive high-cycle tests. His experimental approach begins with bovine cells prepared into bone-disc-bone units, subjected to cyclic compression tests after an initial 24-hour hold under low load. He discusses analyzing hysteresis behavior and transitioning to investigating stiffness, creating linear curves from hysteresis loops to derive stiffness values at different states (native, degenerate, and treated).
A key aspect of his findings is the correlation of stiffness across test cycles, presenting a linear regression analysis that indicates high predictive accuracy even with a reduced dataset. He argues this model allows for fewer cycles in testing while maintaining reliability, aiming for enhanced understanding of mechanical properties with reduced testing times. Dixon engages in a dialogue about refining his predictive approach and addressing specimen-specific analysis and variations in data, reflecting on the applicability of his findings for optimizing future therapies. The presentation concludes with thanks to his university, supervisors, and funding bodies, inviting questions from attendees.