Figure 3. Mechanics and composition.
(A-B) Mechanical testing showed that at the 1% and 5% strain levels, Stab sample stiffness and loss tangent values are lower relative to Control samples. (C-D) Biochemical assays showed that compositionally, Stab samples had lower proteoglycan and collagen content (normalized to wet weight) relative to Control samples. (E-F) Structurally, Stab samples had a decreased disc height ratio and wet weight relative to Controls. Mechanically, compositionally, and structurally, Fresh and Control samples values were not significantly different from each other.