On the mechanical properties of human intervertebral disc material 1

Abstract

The viscoelastic response of human intervertebral disc material is studied. It is shown that the water concentration in the material has a dominant effect on the relaxation behavior. The studies are performed on small specimens cut from laminae which are excised from the anterior portion of an L4-L5 disc. Some consequences of this water sensitivity for laboratory testing and in-vivo response are discussed.