Lumbar disc herniation modelling: a review of ex-vivo mechanical models and a comparison with clinical data
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Slater, Thomas
Wilke, Hans-Joachim
Gurusamy, Gnanaprakash
Rajasekaran, Shanmuganathan
Newell, Nicolas
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Purpose
Ex-vivo herniation models are essential for studying lumbar disc herniation mechanisms, but their morphological accuracy remains unclear due to limited validation against patient-derived clinical data. This review collates clinical lumbar disc herniation characteristics and evaluates whether existing models replicate real-world pathology. By identifying the most morphologically relevant models, this study provides a stronger foundation for improving mechanistic herniation models.
Methods
A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines identified clinical studies detailing herniation characteristics and experimental models of ex-vivo lumbar disc failure. Models were categorised by loading conditions (complex ultimate compression; cyclic; and intradiscal pressurisation), then compared to clinical data to assess their validity.
Results
In patients, extrusions (50%) and protrusions (34%) are the most common lumbar disc herniation types, with paracentral herniations (61%) predominantly occurring at L4-L5 (49%) and L5-S1 (42%). Structural failure patterns varied, with annulus fibrosus failure reported in 35–81% of cases and endplate junction failure in 19–68%.
Among 25 analysed models, all loading types induced herniations, but often with different damage patterns. Complex ultimate compression caused abrupt failures and fractures, while cyclic led to progressive annular damage. Intradiscal pressurisation highlighted nucleus pulposus migration pathways. Within a single herniation model, the damage mechanisms seen were similar between discs.
Conclusions
Clinical herniation patterns show significant variability, while ex-vivo models yield more repeatable outcomes. Cyclic, complex ultimate compression, and intradiscal pressurisation models provide valuable mechanistic insights but differ in physiological relevance. Researchers must consider the physiological relevance of the applied load and the differences between animal and human discs when selecting a model. Future research should focus on understanding herniation progression and identifying initiating factors to improve prevention strategies.
Ex-vivo herniation models are essential for studying lumbar disc herniation mechanisms, but their morphological accuracy remains unclear due to limited validation against patient-derived clinical data. This review collates clinical lumbar disc herniation characteristics and evaluates whether existing models replicate real-world pathology. By identifying the most morphologically relevant models, this study provides a stronger foundation for improving mechanistic herniation models.
Methods
A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines identified clinical studies detailing herniation characteristics and experimental models of ex-vivo lumbar disc failure. Models were categorised by loading conditions (complex ultimate compression; cyclic; and intradiscal pressurisation), then compared to clinical data to assess their validity.
Results
In patients, extrusions (50%) and protrusions (34%) are the most common lumbar disc herniation types, with paracentral herniations (61%) predominantly occurring at L4-L5 (49%) and L5-S1 (42%). Structural failure patterns varied, with annulus fibrosus failure reported in 35–81% of cases and endplate junction failure in 19–68%.
Among 25 analysed models, all loading types induced herniations, but often with different damage patterns. Complex ultimate compression caused abrupt failures and fractures, while cyclic led to progressive annular damage. Intradiscal pressurisation highlighted nucleus pulposus migration pathways. Within a single herniation model, the damage mechanisms seen were similar between discs.
Conclusions
Clinical herniation patterns show significant variability, while ex-vivo models yield more repeatable outcomes. Cyclic, complex ultimate compression, and intradiscal pressurisation models provide valuable mechanistic insights but differ in physiological relevance. Researchers must consider the physiological relevance of the applied load and the differences between animal and human discs when selecting a model. Future research should focus on understanding herniation progression and identifying initiating factors to improve prevention strategies.
Date Issued
2025-10-01
Date Acceptance
2025-06-07
Citation
European Spine Journal, 2025, 34 (10), pp.4353-4368
ISSN
0940-6719
Publisher
Springer
Start Page
4353
End Page
4368
Journal / Book Title
European Spine Journal
Volume
34
Issue
10
Copyright Statement
© The Author(s) 2025 Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
Identifier
10.1007/s00586-025-09054-x
Subjects
Intervertebral disc
Herniation
Spine
Ex-vivo
Lumbar
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2025-06-25