J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2003 Oct;38(6):619-623.

Experimental Annulotomy-induced Degeneration in Rabbit Intervertebral Discs: Comparative Study Between Incomplete and Complete Annulotomy

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kuri Hospital College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Guri, Korea. hyparkys@hanyang.ac.kr
  • 2Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.

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.

Keyword

Intervertebral disc; Annulotomy; Degeneration; Natural course

MeSH Terms

Animals
Female
Humans
Infant
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Intervertebral Disc*
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Osteophyte
Rabbits
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