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Deformation and failure of spinal materials

Human vertebrae and intervertebral disks are shown to have stress-strain relations and failure criteria that can be experimentally replicated

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Abstract

Compressive deformations of fresh human vertebrae and intervertebral disks are examined. A proper perspective of the mechanical properties reveals that previously reported results of several investigators are quantitatively consistent and agree with data reported here. Both vertebrae and intervertebral disks exhibit nonlinear finite deformations prior to injury. Torsion of the spine is shown to be the most likely mechanical cause of disk degeneration. Vertebral fracture stress, stress relaxation and mechanical impedance are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanics and Materials Science, The Johns Hopkins University, 21218, Baltimore, MD

    William F. Hartman (Assistant Professor)

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  1. William F. Hartman
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Hartman, W.F. Deformation and failure of spinal materials. Experimental Mechanics 14, 98–103 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02324772

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