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Yanagisawa O, Oshikawa T, Matsunaga N, Adachi G, Kaneoka K. Acute Physiological Response of Lumbar Intervertebral Discs to High-load Deadlift Exercise. Magn Reson Med Sci 2021; 20:290-294. [PMID: 32879259 PMCID: PMC8424024 DOI: 10.2463/mrms.mp.2020-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the acute physiological effects of high-load deadlift exercise on the lumbar intervertebral discs using MR diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Methods: Fifteen volunteers (11 men and 4 women; 23.2 ± 3.3 years) without lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration performed deadlift exercise (70% of 1 repetition maximum, 6 repetitions, 5 sets, 90 s rest between sets) using a Smith machine. Sagittal MR diffusion-weighted images of the lumbar intervertebral discs were obtained using a 1.5-Tesla MR system with a spine coil before and immediately after the exercise. We calculated apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC; an index of water movement) of the nucleus pulposus from diffusion weighted images at all lumbar intervertebral discs (L1/2 through L5/S1). Results: All lumbar intervertebral discs showed significantly decreased ADC values immediately after deadlift exercise (L1/2, −2.8%; L2/3, −2.1%; L3/4, −2.8%; L4/5, −4.9%; L5/S1, −6.2%; P < 0.01). In addition, the rate of ADC decrease of the L5/S1 disc was significantly greater than those of the L1/2 (P = 0.017), L2/3 (P < 0.01), and L3/4 (P = 0.02) discs. Conclusion: The movement of water molecules within the lumbar intervertebral discs is suppressed by high-load deadlift exercise, which would be attributed to mechanical stress on the lumbar intervertebral discs during deadlift exercise. In particular, the L5/S1 disc is subjected to greater mechanical stress than the other lumbar intervertebral discs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Naoto Matsunaga
- General Education Core Curriculum Division, Seigakuin University
| | - Gen Adachi
- Graduate School of Sport Sciences, Waseda University
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Yanagisawa O, Oshikawa T, Adachi G, Matsunaga N, Kaneoka K. Acute effects of varying squat depths on lumbar intervertebral disks during high‐load barbell back squat exercise. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2020; 31:350-357. [DOI: 10.1111/sms.13850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Yanagisawa
- Faculty of Business Information Sciences Jobu University Isesaki Japan
| | - Tomoki Oshikawa
- Graduate School of Sport Sciences Waseda University Tokorozawa Japan
| | - Gen Adachi
- Graduate School of Sport Sciences Waseda University Tokorozawa Japan
- Baseball & Sports Clininc Kawasaki Japan
| | - Naoto Matsunaga
- General Education Core Curriculum Division Seigakuin University Ageo Japan
| | - Koji Kaneoka
- Faculty of Sport Sciences Waseda University Tokorozawa Japan
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Galley J, Maestretti G, Koch G, Hoogewoud HM. Real T1 relaxation time measurement and diurnal variation analysis of intervertebral discs in a healthy population of 50 volunteers. Eur J Radiol 2016; 87:13-19. [PMID: 28065371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To measure the real T1 relaxation time of the lumbar intervertebral discs in a young and healthy population, using different inversion recovery times, and assess diurnal variation. MATERIAL AND METHODS Intervertebral discs from D12 to S1 of 50 healthy volunteers from 18 to 25 years old were evaluated twice the same day, in the morning and in the late afternoon. Dedicated MRI sequences with different inversion recovery times (from 100 to 2500ms) were used to calculate the real T1 relaxation time. Three regions of interest (ROIs) were defined in each disc, the middle representing the nucleus pulposus (NP) and the outer parts the annulus fibrosus (AF) anterior and posterior. Diurnal variation and differences between each disc level were analyzed. RESULTS T1 mean values in the NP were 1142±12ms in the morning and 1085±13ms in the afternoon, showing a highly significant decrease of 57ms (p<0.001). A highly significant difference between the levels of the spine was found. The mean T1 of the anterior part of the AF was 577±9ms in the morning and 554±8ms in the afternoon. For the posterior part, the mean values were 633±8ms in the morning and 581±7ms in the evening. It shows a highly significant decrease of 23ms for the anterior part and 51ms for the posterior part (all p<0.001). CONCLUSION T1 mapping is a promising method of intervertebral disc evaluation. Significant diurnal variation and difference between levels of the lumbar spine were demonstrated. A potential use for longitudinal study in post-operative follow up or sport medicine needs to be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Galley
- Department of Radiology, HFR Fribourg, Hôpital Cantonal, Switzerland.
| | - G Maestretti
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, HFR Fribourg, Hôpital Cantonal, Switzerland
| | - G Koch
- Department of Radiology, HFR Fribourg, Hôpital Cantonal, Switzerland
| | - H-M Hoogewoud
- Department of Radiology, HFR Fribourg, Hôpital Cantonal, Switzerland
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Tourell MC, Kirkwood M, Pearcy MJ, Momot KI, Little JP. Load-induced changes in the diffusion tensor of ovine anulus fibrosus: A pilot MRI study. J Magn Reson Imaging 2016; 45:1723-1735. [PMID: 28500665 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.25531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the feasibility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for evaluating changes in anulus fibrosus (AF) microstructure following uniaxial compression. MATERIALS AND METHODS Six axially aligned samples of AF were obtained from a merino sheep disc; two each from the anterior, lateral, and posterior regions. The samples were mechanically loaded in axial compression during five cycles at a rate and maximum compressive strain that reflected physiological conditions. DTI was conducted at 7T for each sample before and after mechanical testing. RESULTS The mechanical response of all samples in unconfined compression was nonlinear. A stiffer response during the first loading cycle, compared to the remaining cycles, was observed. Change in diffusion parameters appeared to be region-dependent. The mean fractional anisotropy increased following mechanical testing. This was smallest in the lateral (2% and 9%) and largest in the anterior and posterior samples (17-25%). The mean average diffusivity remained relatively constant (<2%) after mechanical testing in the lateral and posterior samples, but increased (by 5%) in the anterior samples. The mean angle made by the principal eigenvector with the spine axis in the lateral samples was 73° and remained relatively constant (<2%) following mechanical testing. This angle was smaller in the anterior (55°) and posterior (47°) regions and increased by 6-16° following mechanical testing. CONCLUSION These preliminary results suggest that axial compression reorients the collagen fibers, such that they become more consistently aligned parallel to the plane of the endplates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1723-1735.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique C Tourell
- School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Margaret Kirkwood
- School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mark J Pearcy
- Paediatric Spine Research Group, Centre for Children's Health Research @ IHBI, School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Konstantin I Momot
- School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - J Paige Little
- Paediatric Spine Research Group, Centre for Children's Health Research @ IHBI, School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
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Zhu T, Ai T, Zhang W, Li T, Li X. Segmental quantitative MR imaging analysis of diurnal variation of water content in the lumbar intervertebral discs. Korean J Radiol 2015; 16:139-45. [PMID: 25598682 PMCID: PMC4296262 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2015.16.1.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the changes in water content in the lumbar intervertebral discs by quantitative T2 MR imaging in the morning after bed rest and evening after a diurnal load. Materials and Methods Twenty healthy volunteers were separately examined in the morning after bed rest and in the evening after finishing daily work. T2-mapping images were obtained and analyzed. An equally-sized rectangular region of interest (ROI) was manually placed in both, the anterior and the posterior annulus fibrosus (AF), in the outermost 20% of the disc. Three ROIs were placed in the space defined as the nucleus pulposus (NP). Repeated-measures analysis of variance and paired 2-tailed t tests were used for statistical analysis, with p < 0.05 as significantly different. Results T2 values significantly decreased from morning to evening, in the NP (anterior NP = -13.9 ms; central NP = -17.0 ms; posterior NP = -13.3 ms; all p < 0.001). Meanwhile T2 values significantly increased in the anterior AF (+2.9 ms; p = 0.025) and the posterior AF (+5.9 ms; p < 0.001). T2 values in the posterior AF showed the largest degree of variation among the 5 ROIs, but there was no statistical significance (p = 0.414). Discs with initially low T2 values in the center NP showed a smaller degree of variation in the anterior NP and in the central NP, than in discs with initially high T2 values in the center NP (10.0% vs. 16.1%, p = 0.037; 6.4% vs. 16.1%, p = 0.006, respectively). Conclusion Segmental quantitative T2 MRI provides valuable insights into physiological aspects of normal discs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Tao Ai
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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Nisolle JF, Wang XQ, Squélart M, Hontoir F, Kirschvink N, Clegg P, Vandeweerd JM. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) anatomy of the ovine lumbar spine. Anat Histol Embryol 2013; 43:203-9. [PMID: 23668479 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Although the ovine spine is a useful research model for intervertebral disc pathology and vertebral surgery, there is little peer-reviewed information regarding the MRI anatomy of the ovine spine. To describe the lumbar spine MRI anatomy, 10 lumbar segments of cadaver ewes were imaged by 1.5-Tesla MR. Sagittal and transverse sequences were performed in T1 and T2 weighting (T1W, T2W), and the images were compared to gross anatomic sagittal and transverse sections performed through frozen spines. MRI was able to define most anatomic structures of the ovine spine in a similar way as can be imaged in humans. In both T1W and T2W, the signals of ovine IVDs were similar to those observed in humans. Salient anatomic features were identified: (1) a 2- to 3-mm linear zone of hypersignal was noticed on both extremities of the vertebral body parallel to the vertebral plates in sagittal planes; (2) the tendon of the crura of the diaphragm appeared as a hypointense circular structure between hypaxial muscles and the aorta and caudal vena cava; (3) dorsal and ventral longitudinal ligaments and ligamentum flavum were poorly imaged; (4) no ilio-lumbar ligament was present; (5) the spinal cord ended between S1-S2 level, and the peripheral white matter and central grey matter were easily distinguished on T1W and T2W images. This study provides useful reference images to researchers working with ovine models.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Nisolle
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Integrated Veterinary Research Unit-Namur Research Institute for Life Science (IRVU-NARILIS), University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Mont Godinne, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue du Dr Gaston Thérasse, 1, 5530 Yvoir, Belgium
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Apparent diffusion coefficient in normal and abnormal pattern of intervertebral lumbar discs: initial experience. J Biomed Res 2013; 25:197-203. [PMID: 23554690 DOI: 10.1016/s1674-8301(11)60026-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2010] [Revised: 01/29/2011] [Accepted: 02/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to compare the relationship of morphologically defined non-bulging/herniated, bulging and herniated intervertebral lumbar discs with quantitative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Thirty-two healthy volunteers and 28 patients with back pain or sciatica were examined by MRI. All intervertebral lumbar discs from L1 to S1 were classified according to morphological abnormality and degenerated grades. The ADC values of nucleus pulposus (NP) were measured and recorded. The significant differences about mean ADC values of NP were found between non-bulging/herniated discs and bulging discs as well as herniated discs (P < 0.05), whereas there were no significant differences in ADC values between bulging and herniated discs (P > 0.05). Moreover, statistically significant relationship was found in the mean ADC values of NP between "non-bulging/herniated and non-degenerated discs" and "non-bulging/herniated degenerated discs" as well as herniated discs (P < 0.05). Linear regression analysis between ADC value and disc level revealed an inverse correlation (r = -0.18). The ADC map of the NP is a potentially useful tool for the quantitative assessment of componential and molecular alterations accompanied with lumbar disc abnormalities.
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Jackson AR, Yuan TY, Huang CY, Brown MD, Gu WY. Nutrient transport in human annulus fibrosus is affected by compressive strain and anisotropy. Ann Biomed Eng 2012; 40:2551-8. [PMID: 22669503 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-012-0606-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 05/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The avascular intervertebral disc (IVD) receives nutrition via transport from surrounding vasculature; poor nutrition is believed to be a main cause of disc degeneration. In this study, we investigated the effects of mechanical deformation and anisotropy on the transport of two important nutrients--oxygen and glucose--in human annulus fibrosus (AF). The diffusivities of oxygen and glucose were measured under three levels of uniaxial confined compression--0, 10, and 20%--and in three directions--axial, circumferential, and radial. The glucose partition coefficient was also measured at three compression levels. Results for glucose and oxygen diffusivity in AF ranged from 4.46 × 10(-7) to 9.77 × 10(-6) cm(2)/s and were comparable to previous studies; the glucose partition coefficient ranged from 0.71 to 0.82 and was also similar to previous results. Transport properties were found to decrease with increasing deformation, likely caused by fluid exudation during tissue compression and reduction in pore size. Furthermore, diffusivity in the radial direction was lower than in the axial or circumferential directions, indicating that nutrient transport in human AF is anisotropic. This behavior is likely a consequence of the layered structure and unique collagen architecture of AF tissue. These findings are important for better understanding nutritional supply in IVD and related disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia R Jackson
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
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Conventional and ultrashort time-to-echo magnetic resonance imaging of articular cartilage, meniscus, and intervertebral disk. Top Magn Reson Imaging 2012; 21:275-89. [PMID: 22129641 DOI: 10.1097/rmr.0b013e31823ccebc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of musculoskeletal tissues is being performed routinely for diagnoses of injury and diseases. Although conventional MRI using spin echo sequences has been effective, a number of important musculoskeletal soft tissues remain "magnetic resonance-invisible" because of their intrinsically short T2 values resulting in a rapid signal decay. This makes visualization and quantitative characterization difficult. With the advent and refinement of ultrashort time-to-echo (UTE) MRI techniques, it is now possible to directly visualize and quantitatively characterize these tissues. This review explores the anatomy, conventional MRI, and UTE MRI of articular cartilage, meniscus of the knee, and intervertebral disks and provides a survey of magnetic resonance studies used to better understand tissue structure, composition, and function, as well as subtle changes in diseases.
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Stelzeneder D, Kovács BK, Goed S, Welsch GH, Hirschfeld C, Paternostro-Sluga T, Friedrich KM, Mamisch TC, Trattnig S. Effect of short-term unloading on T2 relaxation time in the lumbar intervertebral disc--in vivo magnetic resonance imaging study at 3.0 tesla. Spine J 2012; 12:257-64. [PMID: 22469305 PMCID: PMC3336204 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2012.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Revised: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Diurnal changes in T2 values, indicative for changes in water content, have been reported in the lumbar intervertebral discs. However, data concerning short-term T2 changes are missing. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of unloading on T2 values in lumbar intervertebral discs in vivo. STUDY DESIGN Experimental study with repeated measurements of lumbar discs T2 relaxation time during a period of 38 minutes of supine posture. PATIENT SAMPLE Forty-one patients with acute or chronic low back pain (visual analog scale ≥3). OUTCOME MEASURES T2 relaxation time in the intervertebral disc, lumbar lordosis angle, and intervertebral disc height. METHODS Forty-one patients (mean age, 41.6 years) were investigated in the supine position using a 3-tesla magnetic resonance system. Sagittal T2 mapping was performed immediately after unloading and after a mean delay of 38 minutes. No patient movement was allowed between the measurements. One region of interest (ROI) was manually placed in both the anterior and the posterior annulus fibrosus (AF) and three ROIs in the nucleus pulposus (NP). RESULTS There was a statistically significant decrease in the anterior NP (-2.7 ms; p<.05) and an increase in T2 values in the posterior AF (+3.5 ms; p<.001). Discs with initially low T2 values in the NP showed minor increase in the posterior AF (+1.6 ms; p<.05), whereas a major increase in the posterior AF was found in discs with initially high T2 values in the NP (+6.8 ms; p=.001). Patients examined in the morning showed no differences, but those investigated in the afternoon showed a decrease in the anterior NP (-5.3 ms; p<.05) and an increase in the posterior AF (+7.8 ms; p=.002). No significant differences were observed in other regions. Correlation analysis showed moderate correlations between the time of investigation and T2 changes in the posterior AF (r=0.46; p=.002). CONCLUSIONS A shift of water from the anterior to the posterior disc regions seems to occur after unloading the lumbar spine in the supine position. The clinical relevance of these changes needs to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Stelzeneder
- Department of Radiology, MR Center-High-field MR, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Balázs K. Kovács
- Department of Radiology, MR Center-High-field MR, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria,Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Oncotherapy, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 78/a, Budapest H-1082, Hungary
| | - Sabine Goed
- Department of Radiology, MR Center-High-field MR, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Goetz H. Welsch
- Department of Radiology, MR Center-High-field MR, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria,Department of Trauma Surgery, University of Erlangen, Krankenhausstrasse 12, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Clemens Hirschfeld
- Department of Radiology, MR Center-High-field MR, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tatjana Paternostro-Sluga
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaus M. Friedrich
- Department of Radiology, MR Center-High-field MR, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tallal C. Mamisch
- Department of Radiology, MR Center-High-field MR, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Inselspital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland,Corresponding author. Department of Radiology, MR Center-High-field MR, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. Tel.: (43) 1-40400-6470; fax: (43) 1-40400-7631.
| | - Siegfried Trattnig
- Department of Radiology, MR Center-High-field MR, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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Niu G, Yang J, Wang R, Dang S, Wu EX, Guo Y. MR imaging assessment of lumbar intervertebral disk degeneration and age-related changes: apparent diffusion coefficient versus T2 quantitation. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2011; 32:1617-23. [PMID: 21799044 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a2556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE T2 and ADC mappings are 2 quantitative MR imaging tools for assessing IVDD. This study aimed to compare these 2 measures in detecting IVDD and its age-related changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-seven asymptomatic volunteers and 28 patients with back pain or sciatica were examined, and their lumbar disk T2 and ADC maps were quantified via sagittal imaging protocols at 1.5T. For all participants, the Pfirrmann system was used by 2 radiologists for grading disks. T2 and ADC values in the inner portion of disks were measured, and their variances in different grades were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA testing. The ability of T2 and ADC measures to differentiate IVDD grades was compared on the basis of their ROC curves. For asymptomatic subjects, the correlations between age and the 2 MR imaging measures were assessed by the Pearson correlation test. RESULTS Both T2 and ADC values were found to decrease with the increasing Pfirrmann grades except T2 in grade V. Significant T2 differences were seen among grades I-IV, but not between grades IV and V. There were no significant ADC differences among grades I-III. Moreover, the areas under the ROC curves differed significantly (0.95 and 0.67 for T2 and ADC, respectively). Linear regression analysis revealed that T2 yielded more significant correlation with age (r = -0.77) than ADC did (r = -0.37). CONCLUSIONS T2 quantitation provides a more sensitive and robust approach for detecting and characterizing the early stage of IVDD and age-related disk changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Niu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, First Hospital of Medical School, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
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Périé D, Curnier D. Effect of pathology type and severity on the distribution of MRI signal intensities within the degenerated nucleus pulposus: application to idiopathic scoliosis and spondylolisthesis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2010; 11:189. [PMID: 20738885 PMCID: PMC2940851 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-11-189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2010] [Accepted: 08/26/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disc degeneration is characterized by a loss of cellularity, degradation of the extracellular matrix, and, as a result, morphological changes and biomechanical alterations. We hypothesized that the distribution of the MR signal intensity within the nucleus zone of the intervertebral disc was modified according to the pathology and the severity of the pathology. The objective of this study was to propose new parameters characterizing the distribution of the signal intensity within the nucleus zone of lumbar intervertebral discs, and to quantify these changes in patients suffering from spondylolisthesis or idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS A retrospective study had been performed on T2-weighted MR images of twenty nine patients suffering from spondylolisthesis and/or scoliosis. The high intensity zone of the nucleus pulposus was semi-automatically detected. The distance "DX" between the center weighted by the signal intensity and the geometrical center was quantified. The sum of the signal intensity on the axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the disc was plotted for each position of the longitudinal axis allowing defining the maximum sum "SM" and its position "PSM". RESULTS "SM" was clearly higher and "PSM" was more shifted for scoliosis than for spondylolisthesis. A two-way analysis of variance showed that the differences observed on "DX" were not attributed to the pathology nor its severity, the differences observed on "SM" were attributed to the pathology but not to its severity, and the differences observed on "PSM" were attributed to both the pathology and its severity. CONCLUSIONS The technique proposed in this study showed significant differences in the distribution of the MR signal intensity within the nucleus zone of intervertebral discs due to the pathology and its severity. The dependence of the "PSM" parameter to the severity of the pathology suggests this parameter as a predictive factor of the pathology progression. This new technique should be useful for the early diagnosis of intervertebral disc pathologies as it highlights abnormal patterns in the MRI signal for low severity of the pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Périé
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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Travascio F, Jackson AR, Brown MD, Gu WY. Relationship between solute transport properties and tissue morphology in human annulus fibrosus. J Orthop Res 2009; 27:1625-30. [PMID: 19489044 PMCID: PMC2798905 DOI: 10.1002/jor.20927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Poor nutritional supply to the intervertebral disc is believed to be an important factor leading to disc degeneration. However, little is known regarding nutritional transport in human annulus fibrosus (AF) and its relation to tissue morphology. We hypothesized that solute diffusivity in human AF is anisotropic and inhomogeneous, and that transport behaviors are associated with tissue composition and structure. To test these hypotheses, we measured the direction-dependent diffusivity of a fluorescent molecule (fluorescein, 332 Da) in three regions of AF using a fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) technique, and associated transport results to the regional variation in water content and collagen architecture in the tissue. Diffusivity in AF was anisotropic, with higher values in the axial direction than in the radial direction for all regions investigated. The values of the diffusion coefficient ranged from 0.38 +/- 0.25 x 10(-6) cm(2)/s (radial diffusivity in outer AF) to 2.68 +/- 0.84 x 10(-6) cm(2)/s (axial diffusivity in inner AF). In both directions, diffusivity decreased moving from inner to outer AF. Tissue structure was investigated using both scanning electron microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy. A unique arrangement of microtubes was found in human AF. Furthermore, we also found that the density of these microtubes varied moving from inner to outer AF. A similar trend of regional variation was found for water content, with the highest value also measured in inner AF. Therefore, we concluded that a relationship exists among the anisotropic and inhomogeneous diffusion in human AF and the structure and composition of the tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Travascio
- Tissue Biomechanics Lab, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
| | - Alicia R. Jackson
- Tissue Biomechanics Lab, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
| | - Mark D. Brown
- Dept. of Orthopaedics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Wei Yong Gu
- Tissue Biomechanics Lab, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL,Corresponding author: WY Gu, Ph.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering College of Engineering University of Miami P.O. Box 248294 Coral Gables, Fl 33124-0621 USA Telephone: (305) 284-5434 Fax: (305)284-6494
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Yuan TY, Jackson AR, Huang CY, Gu WY. Strain-dependent oxygen diffusivity in bovine annulus fibrosus. J Biomech Eng 2009; 131:074503. [PMID: 19640139 DOI: 10.1115/1.3127254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The intervertebral disk (IVD) is the largest avascular structure in the human body. Transport of small molecules in IVD is mainly through diffusion from the endplates and the peripheral blood vessels surrounding IVD. Studies have investigated the structure, chemical components, and water content in IVD, but to our knowledge no study has investigated the effect of mechanical loading on oxygen transport in IVD. The objective of this study was to determine the strain-dependent behavior of oxygen diffusivity in IVD tissue. A one-dimensional steady-state diffusion experiment was designed and performed to determine the oxygen diffusivity in bovine annulus fibrosus (AF). The oxygen diffusivity was calculated using equation derived from Fick's law. A total of 20 AF specimens (d=6 mm, h approximately 0.5 mm) from bovine coccygeal IVD were used to determine oxygen diffusivity at three levels of compressive strain. The average oxygen diffusivity (mean+/-SD) of bovine AF in the axial direction was 1.43+/-0.242 x 10(-5) cm(2)/s (n=20) at 4.68+/-1.67% compressive strain level, 1.05+/-0.282 x 10(-5) cm(2)/s (n=20) at 14.2+/-1.50% strain level, and 7.71+/-1.63 x 10(-6) cm(2)/s (n=20) at 23.7+/-1.34% strain level. There was a significant decrease in oxygen diffusivity with increasing level of compressive strain (ANOVA, p<0.05). Oxygen diffusivity of bovine AF in the axial direction has been determined. The mechanical loading has a significant effect on oxygen transport in IVD tissues. This study is important in understanding nutritional transport in IVD tissues and related disk degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- T-Y Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tissue Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
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Jackson AR, Travascio F, Gu WY. Effect of mechanical loading on electrical conductivity in human intervertebral disk. J Biomech Eng 2009; 131:054505. [PMID: 19388789 DOI: 10.1115/1.3116152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The intervertebral disk (IVD), characterized as a charged, hydrated soft tissue, is the largest avascular structure in the body. Mechanical loading to the disk results in electromechanical transduction phenomenon as well as altered transport properties. Electrical conductivity is a material property of tissue depending on ion concentrations and diffusivities, which are in turn functions of tissue composition and structure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mechanical loading on electrical behavior in human IVD tissues. We hypothesized that electrical conductivity in human IVD is strain-dependent, due to change in tissue composition caused by compression, and inhomogeneous, due to tissue structure and composition. We also hypothesized that conductivity in human annulus fibrosus (AF) is anisotropic, due to the layered structure of the tissue. Three lumbar IVDs were harvested from three human spines. From each disk, four AF specimens were prepared in each of the three principal directions (axial, circumferential, and radial), and four axial nucleus pulposus (NP) specimens were prepared. Conductivity was determined using a four-wire sense-current method and a custom-designed apparatus by measuring the resistance across the sample. Resistance measurements were taken at three levels of compression (0%, 10%, and 20%). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the human AF tissue were obtained in order to correlate tissue structure with conductivity results. Increasing compressive strain significantly decreased conductivity for all groups (p<0.05, analysis of variance (ANOVA)). Additionally, specimen orientation significantly affected electrical conductivity in the AF tissue, with conductivity in the radial direction being significantly lower than that in the axial or circumferential directions at all levels of compressive strain (p<0.05, ANOVA). Finally, conductivity in the NP tissue was significantly higher than that in the AF tissue (p<0.05, ANOVA). SEM images of the AF tissues showed evidence of microtubes orientated in the axial and circumferential directions, but not in the radial direction. This may suggest a relationship between tissue morphology and the anisotropic behavior of conductivity in the AF. The results of this investigation demonstrate that electrical conductivity in human IVD is strain-dependent and inhomogeneous, and that conductivity in the human AF tissue is anisotropic (i.e., direction-dependent). This anisotropic behavior is correlated with tissue structure shown in SEM images. This study provides important information regarding the effects of mechanical loading on solute transport and electrical behavior in IVD tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia R Jackson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tissue Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
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16
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T2 relaxation times of intervertebral disc tissue correlated with water content and proteoglycan content. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2009; 34:520-4. [PMID: 19247172 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0b013e318195dd44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Human and bovine cadaver study in which biochemical measurements and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of intervertebral discs were correlated. OBJECTIVE To measure the correlations between T2 relaxation time with water and proteoglycan (PG) content of intervertebral discs. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Measuring T2 relaxation times may provide an accurate noninvasive method of detecting changes in disc water content and biochemistry due to aging or degeneration. Previous studies to validate the use of T1 or T2 relaxation times of intervertebral disc tissue have used MR relaxometers, lower field strength imagers, and in 1 case a 1.5-T imager. The dependence of T2 relaxation times on water and PG content needs further validation in high field clinical MR imagers. METHODS Multiecho MR images were obtained in 14 calf and 5 human cadaver discs. T2 relaxation times were calculated voxel by voxel for nucleus and anulus regions by fitting the decay of the signal intensity to an exponential model. Water and PG content were measured in samples of nucleus and anulus corresponding to the location of the T2 measurements. T2 relaxation times for calf and human specimens were correlated with water or PG content by regression analysis. RESULTS T2 relaxation times correlated significantly with water content in human nucleus pulposus, human anulus fibrosus, and calf anulus. T2 relaxation time correlated significantly with PG content only in the calf anulus. When the human and calf nucleus and anulus specimens were combined, T2 relaxation times correlated strongly with water (R = 0.81, P < 0.001) and less strongly with PG (R = 0.57, P < 0.001) content. CONCLUSION T2 relaxation times of intervertebral disc anulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus correlate strongly with water content and weakly with PG content.
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Abstract
Cartilaginous tissues, such as articular cartilage and intervertebral disc, are avascular tissues which rely on transport for cellular nutrition. Comprehensive knowledge of transport properties in such tissues is therefore necessary in the understanding of nutritional supply to cells. Furthermore, poor cellular nutrition in cartilaginous tissues is believed to be a primary source of tissue degeneration, which may result in osteoarthritis (OA) or disc degeneration. In this mini-review, we present an overview of the current status of the study of transport properties and behavior in cartilaginous tissues. The mechanisms of transport in these tissues, as well as experimental approaches to measuring transport properties and results obtained are discussed. The current status of bioreactors used in cartilage tissue engineering is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ar Jackson
- Tissue Biomechanics Lab, Dept of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
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Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Investigation of the effect of static compression and anisotropy on the apparent diffusivity of glucose in bovine annulus fibrosus (AF). OBJECTIVE. To determine the apparent glucose diffusivity in 2 directions (axial and radial) of bovine AF under 3 levels of compressive strain (0%, 10%, and 20%). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Knowledge of diffusivity of small molecules is important for understanding nutritional supply in intervertebral discs and the mechanisms of disc degeneration. However, little is known regarding the strain-dependent and anisotropic behavior of glucose diffusivity in intervertebral discs. METHODS Apparent glucose diffusivity measurements were performed on 10 axial and 10 radial AF specimens from bovine coccygeal discs. The dependence of diffusivity on compression was determined using 3 levels of strain (0%, 10%, and 20%). RESULTS The apparent glucose diffusivity (mean +/- standard deviation) of the bovine AF in the axial direction was 1.38 +/- 0.015 x 10 cm/s (n = 10) at 0%, 1.00 +/- 0.070 x 10 cm/s (n = 10) at 10%, and 7.65 +/- 0.552 x 10 cm/s (n = 10) at 20% compression. For radial specimens, the apparent glucose diffusivity was determined to be 9.17 +/- 1.12 x 10 cm/s (n = 10), 7.29 +/- 0.863 x 10 cm/s (n = 10), and 5.43 +/- 1.16 x 10 cm/s (n = 10) for 0%, 10%, and 20% compressions, respectively. A significant decrease in diffusivity with increasing strain was found for both axial and radial specimens [analysis of variance (ANOVA), P < 0.05]. Diffusion in the radial direction was determined to be significantly less than that in the axial direction (ANOVA, P < 0.05). A significant interaction was found between the level of strain and the direction of diffusion (ANOVA, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Diffusion of glucose in bovine AF is dependent on strain and the direction of diffusion.
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Pfeiffer M, Pfeiffer D. Important macroscopic and microscopic differences in the bony and cartilaginous regions adjacent to the lumbar intervertebral disc between animal and man: a caveat to overinterpretation of animal experiments: comment to the article: Primary stability of anterior lumbar stabilization: interdependence of implant type and endplate retention or removal (C.H. Flamme et al.). EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2007; 15:819-20. [PMID: 16758108 PMCID: PMC3489450 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-006-1090-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Pfeiffer
- Department of Orthopaedics, HELIOS Rosmann Hospital, 79206 Breisach, Germany.
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Pezowicz CA, Robertson PA, Broom ND. Intralamellar relationships within the collagenous architecture of the annulus fibrosus imaged in its fully hydrated state. J Anat 2006; 207:299-312. [PMID: 16191160 PMCID: PMC1571547 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2005.00467.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The anisotropic, inhomogeneous, multiply collagenous architecture of the annulus reflects the complex pattern of mainly tensile stresses developed in this region of the disc during normal function. Structural and mechanical responses of fully hydrated in-plane sections taken from within single lamellae of the outer annulus of healthy bovine caudal discs have been investigated using a micromechanical technique in combination with simultaneous high-resolution differential interference contrast optical imaging. Responses both along and across (i.e. transverse to) the primary direction of the mono-array of collagen fibres were studied. Stretching along the alignment direction revealed a biomechanical response consistent with the behaviour of an array whose overall strength is governed primarily by the strength of embedding of the fibres in the vertebral endplates, rather than from interfibre cohesion along their length. The mono-aligned array, even when lacerated, is highly resistant to any further tearing across the alignment direction. Although not visible in the relaxed mono-arrays, transverse stretching revealed a highly complex set of interconnecting structures embodying hierarchical relationships not previously revealed. It is suggested that these structures might play an important role in the containment under pressure of the nuclear contents. The dramatic differences in rupture behaviour observed along vs. across the primary fibre direction are consistent with the known clinical consequences arising from varying degrees of annular wall damage, and might also explain various types of disc herniation. The lamellar architecture of the healthy disc revealed by this investigation provides an important reference framework for exploring structural changes associated with disc trauma and degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celina A Pezowicz
- Biomaterials Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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