[Research progress in creep characteristics of lumbar intervertebral disc].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the research progress in creep characteristics of lumbar intervertebral disc. METHODS: The relevant literature at home and abroad was systematically searched. Then, the concept and structural basis of lumbar disc creep, the description of creep characteristics, and the latest progress of its influencing factors were summarized and analyzed. RESULTS: The intervertebral disc is viscoelastic. After loading, the deformation increases with time. However, the degree of increase is not linear with time. That is creep, which plays an important role in buffering the load generated by human activities and absorbing energy in order to maintain stable movement of the spine. Both experimental and simulation studies can well describe the creep behavior of intervertebral disc. Various models including standard linear solid model and corresponding constitutive equations can quantify and compare the creep characteristics, which can be obviously changed by the degeneration of intervertebral disc and the mode of loading stress. CONCLUSION: Creep is an important mechanical properties of intervertebral discs, and an in-depth understanding of the creep characteristics of lumbar intervertebral discs is of great guiding significance for the intervention and treatment of low back pain.