The Influence of Harvesting Methods For The Development Of An In-vitro Intervertebral Disc Model

INTRODUCTION: There have been a large variety of animal models used to study the intervertebral disc. However, there has yet to be a live ex-vivo model that provides of a platform for long-term, dynamic loading, disc tissue studying and culturing. In this study the impact of harvesting method on the mechanical properties and nutrition diffusion of bovine coccygeal intervertebral discs under cyclic dynamic load was monitored. The objective was to determine the most suitable harvest method for the continued development of an in- vitro intervertebral disc model. METHODS: Fresh bovine coccygeal