Effect of load frequency on trans-endplate transport of nutrients to the intervertebral disc

Abstract

The model shows that the total nutrient transport to the disc can be augmented by a dynamic load. For healthy and degenerated discs, the maximum total nutrient transport is observed when the loading frequency of the applied mechanical load is approximately 0.5 Hz. As the frequency of loading increased past 0.5 Hz, tissue stiffening limits the total nutrient transport to the disc.