161. The Potential Role of Extensor Muscle Fatigue in the Onset of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: A Novel In Vivo Model

Authors

Mary Beth M. Grabowsky, Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteFollow
Nicholas A. Pallota, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Matthew W. Connelly, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Brett Van Etten, University of Vermont
Rebecca A. Wachs, Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteFollow
Max Alley, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Joseph C. Glennon, Veterinary Specialties Referral Center
Andrew H. Dubin, Albany Medical College
John W. German, Albany Medical College
Richard L. Uhl, Albany Medical College
Eric H. Ledet, Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteFollow

Date of this Version

2010

Citation

Proceedings of the NASS 25th Annual Meeting / The Spine Journal 10 (2010) 74S–75S. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2010.07.202

Comments

Copyright © 2010 Elsevier. Used by permission.

Abstract

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Occupation is strongly correlated to low back pain (LBP). Specific occupational activities associated with low back pain include poor posture, whole body vibration, and repetitive lifting. These activities have a common link: they result in fatigue of the primary spinal extensor musculature. This fatigue may lead to increased intervertebral loading - a stimulus for disc degeneration. If true, this association could provide a vital connection between detrimental physical activities and LBP. However, the link between muscle fatigue and increased load across the disc space has never been quantified in vivo.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop and test a wireless multi-axial force-sensing implant and large animal model of primary extensor muscle fatigue. Combined, these tools allow measurement of in vivo spinal forces during muscle fatigue to quantify changes in spine loading.