BACKGROUND CONTEXT The use of finite element (FE) methods to study the
biomechanics of the intervertebral disc (IVD) has increased over recent decades due to their
ability to quantify internal stresses and strains throughout the tissue. Their accuracy is
dependent upon realistic, strain-rate dependent material properties, which are challenging
to acquire. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to use the inverse FE technique to
characterize the material properties of human lumbar IVDs across strain rates. STUDY …