Completed Projects

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies on the Role of Arterial Vascular Disease and Venous Obstruction in Intervertebral Disc Disease and Low Back Pain

To improve the visibility of blood flow to and from the discs.
Led by Professors G. Bydder & J. Hajnal at the Imperial College of Science and Medicine, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith.

This project has exceeded expectation in the technical development of imaging systems and the visualisation for the first time of solutes through discs. Professor Bydder was awarded a prestigious Gold Medal from the Royal College of Radiologists.

MR Gradient Upgrade

To upgrade scanning equipment to improve magnetic resonance images in the Robert Steiner Magnetic Resonance Imaging Department at the Hammersmith Hospital

This development of scanning equipment has led to improved magnetic resonance images to the spine.

How Does Disc Degeneration affect the Mechanical Integrity of the Annulus Fibrosus? Is the strong outer part of a disc worth saving if it is damaged?

Led by Dr M. Adams at the University of Bristol.

The strength of the outer annulus was shown to have no relationship to vertebral compressive strength, suggesting that its strength may relate to its role as an intervertebral ligament rather than as a compressive load-bearing structure.

Study on Inappropriate Mechanical Stress and Intervertebral Discs Degeneration. Looking for the rate of disc degeneration caused by stresses such as jarring and lifting

Led by Dr Jill Urban, Physiology Dept, Oxford University

The digital camera obtained with the DISCS grant has been of great help in examining cell viability and composition in diseased discs. It has shown that there is a significantly higher percentage of dead cells on the convex side of diseased discs and that there is a dense network of elastin in the discs, suggesting that elastin pays a mechanical role in the function of the disc.

Production of a research dissemination DVD

Led by Dr Clive Bromhall, scientific film specialist, Bristol.

The results of earlier DISCS funded research produced as a short film, making complex research understandable to the wider population and highlighting the ways in which research can lead to improved treatments for back pain sufferers.