BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Destruction of extracellular matrix (ECM) leads to intervertebral
disc degeneration (IDD), which underlies many spine-related disorders. Matrix …

Abstract Purpose of Review The endplates form the interface between the rigid vertebral
bodies and compliant intervertebral discs. Proper endplate function involves a balance …

Intervertebral disc degeneration is strongly associated with chronic low back pain, a leading
cause of disability worldwide. Current back pain treatment approaches (both surgical and …

Study Design. Experimental measurement and normalization of in vitro disc torsion
mechanics and collagen content for several animal species used in intervertebral disc …

In recent decades the application of bioreactors has revolutionized the concept of culturing
tissues and organs that require mechanical loading. In intervertebral disc (IVD) research …

Mechanical overloading of the spine is associated with low back pain and intervertebral disc
(IVD) degeneration. How excessive loading elicits degenerative changes in the IVD is poorly …

Annulus fibrosus (AF) defects from annular tears, herniation, and discectomy procedures are
associated with painful conditions and accelerated intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration …

Objective Back pain is a very widespread disease pattern and is one of the most frequent
causes for consultation of a physician in general. In most cases, discogenic changes are the …

The spine is routinely subjected to repetitive complex loading consisting of axial
compression, torsion, flexion and extension. Mechanical loading is one of the important …

In tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, studies that utilize 3D scaffolds for
generating voluminous tissues are mostly confined in the realm of in vitro research and …