In this section
Based at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's White City Campus, we are a research group with a focus on Spine Biomechanics. We use a range of tools to better understanding in the areas of spinal injury, spinal deformity and spinal surgery.
Our lab has state-of-the-art ex vivo testing capabilities, including bespoke testing rigs, a 6 DOF robot arm, a C-arm, pressure needles, water baths, and high-speed X-ray. We also have access to advanced imaging technologies, including micro-CT, 9.4T MRI, and microscopy.
We use novel computational approaches (finite element modelling, msk modelling, digital volume correlation (DVC), machine learning) to develop workflows to provide clinicians with information to inform patient treatment strategies, to better predict risk of injury, and to assess scoliosis brace designs.
We collaborate globally, with ongoing projects with colleagues in New Zealand, USA, Portugal, South Africa, Germany, Australia, Sri Lanka and India.
You can explore our recent publications below.
@article{Slater:2025:10.1007/s00586-025-09054-x,
author = {Slater, T and Wilke, H-J and Gurusamy, G and Rajasekaran, S and Newell, N},
doi = {10.1007/s00586-025-09054-x},
journal = {European Spine Journal},
pages = {4353--4368},
title = {Lumbar disc herniation modelling: a review of ex-vivo mechanical models and a comparison with clinical data},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00586-025-09054-x},
volume = {34},
year = {2025}
}
TY - JOUR
AB - PurposeEx-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.MethodsA 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.ResultsIn 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.ConclusionsClinical 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. Fu
AU - Slater,T
AU - Wilke,H-J
AU - Gurusamy,G
AU - Rajasekaran,S
AU - Newell,N
DO - 10.1007/s00586-025-09054-x
EP - 4368
PY - 2025///
SN - 0940-6719
SP - 4353
TI - Lumbar disc herniation modelling: a review of ex-vivo mechanical models and a comparison with clinical data
T2 - European Spine Journal
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00586-025-09054-x
UR - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00586-025-09054-x
VL - 34
ER -