Experimental Annulotomy-induced Degeneration in Rabbit Intervertebral Discs: Comparative Study Between Incomplete and Complete Annulotomy.
10.4055/jkoa.2003.38.6.619
- Author:
Ye Soo PARK
1
;
Jae Lim CHO
;
John P KOSTUIK
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kuri Hospital College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Guri, Korea. hyparkys@hanyang.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Comparative Study ; Original Article
- Keywords:
Intervertebral disc;
Annulotomy;
Degeneration;
Natural course
- MeSH:
Animals;
Female;
Humans;
Infant;
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration;
Intervertebral Disc*;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging;
Osteophyte;
Rabbits
- From:The Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
2003;38(6):619-623
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: To develop an animal disc degeneration model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 12 female 8-month-old white New Zealand rabbits, weighing about 4-4.5 kg, were used. A retroperitoneal approach using a paravertebral incision was adopted. Using a number-11 blade, a transverse stab incision was made into the L3-4 and L5-6 disc through the antero-lateral annulus. At L3-4 level, complete annulotomy was performed and incomplete annulotomy at the L5-6 level. In the complete annulotomy group, extrusion of the nucleus after annulotomy was confirmed. Gross and histological findings, and lumbarx-rays and MRIs were analyzed. From simple x-rays, changes in disc heights were measured using NIH image software; degeneration grade was classified using MRI. RESULTS: The gross and histological findings showed progressive degenerative change in both groups, which were more severe in the complete annulotomy group. Simple radiographs showed a progressive decrease in the disc height and osteophyte formation in several samples, which were more severe in the complete annulotomy group. From the MRI findings, early degenerative findings were identified 2 and 3 months after complete and incomplete annulotomy, respectively. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the disc degenerative process, following incomplete annulotomy, more resembled the natural course of disc degeneration than complete annulotomy.
