The fluid content of the human intervertebral disc: Comparison between fluid content and swelling pressure profiles of discs removed at surgery and those taken postmortem

The flu fid content of the disc, which governs its mechanical response and biological behavior, varies lArlth external foad, Because load or the di&s changes death, the fluid content and swelling pressure profiles of human discs taken at autopsy were muuiumd, and compared with discs removed1 during surgical procedures. In genoral, discs taken at surgery had a lowar fluid wntent in (Hia nudaue and a high or flulc' content In the outer andus than discs removed et autopsy. Iti disiua removed el surgery, the swelling pressure of the nifeleus was higher than that of rhn anulus, whereas In autopsy discs the swelling pressure profile was flat. These changes are thought to result from changes In load after (teeth, and could Influence the results of in vitro mechanical tests on the disc.