Computational study of the role of fluid content and flow on the lumbar disc response in cyclic compression: Replication of in vitro and in vivo conditions

Results highlight an excessive mobile fluid content as well as a restricted fluid inflow through endplates as likely causes of the discrepancies between in vivo and in vitro studies. To replicate in vivo conditions in vitro and in silico, disc hydration level should be controlled by adequate selection of preload magnitude/period and/or mobile fluid porosity.