Spinal sections and regional variations in the mechanical properties of the annulus fibrosus subjected to tensile loading

The annulus fibrosus is the primary load-bearing component of the intervertebral disc responsible for proper transfer of loads in the spine. The aim of this study was to determine selected mechanical parameters of multilayer specimens of the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc during uniaxial tensile loading. The anatomical location (anterior/posterior) of the test specimens of the annulus fibrosus and its location along the length of the spine were analysed to determine their impact on the maximum failure force, stiffness, the value of Young’s modulus and dissipated energy. The results indicated high energy losses over the five consecutive precondition loops while the value of the force remained at a constant level. The thoracic and lumbar specimens showed the highest values of the parameters analysed. There were also significant changes depending on the anatomical region of the intervertebral disc, where anterior specimens demonstrated higher mechanical values compared to posterior specimens.