| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/S34595/01 |
| Title: |
Modelling the effect of loading on intervertebral discs |
| Principal Investigator: |
McNally, Professor D |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Sch of Mech Materials Manuf Eng Mgt |
| Organisation: |
University of Nottingham |
| Scheme: |
Postdoctoral Mobility PreFEC |
| Starts: |
01 April 2003 |
Ends: |
31 March 2004 |
Value (£): |
41,584
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Medical science & disease |
Musculoskeletal system |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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The intervertebral disc is an important part of the spinal structure, allowing movement, as well as having a weight-bearing role. Previous studies have considered the intervertebral disc as a one-dimensional biphasic or poroelastic material exhibiting small strains under loading. These approaches do not account in a systematic fashion for the complex structure of the disc, suggesting that they might be an oversimplification. The work proposed here will investigate this hypothesis by modelling the detailed structure of the disc at a microscopic (tissue) level and then using homogenisation techniques to develop new macroscopic (organ) models which, it is anticipated, will enhance understanding of the overall (macroscopic) mechanical response and the nutritional status. Additionally we will investigate the transport of fluid through the tissue matrix of the disc and assess the relative balance between vertebrae (endplate) and radial fluid loss and also consider the effect of varying disc properties, such as the permeability of the endplate and the osmotic potential. We will then compare the predictions of our models with those from previous modelling approaches.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.nottingham.ac.uk |