Jiale Qian1, Jun Ge2, Qi Yan2, Cenhao Wu2, Huilin Yang3, Jun Zou2. 1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Suzhou Dushuhu Public Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. 2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. 3. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The incidence of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration has increased in recent years. A simple, reliable, and reproducible animal model is critical for understanding the underlying mechanisms of IVD degeneration. The caudal discs of rats have been proposed as a common puncture model in which to induce IVD degeneration. However, there is still no consensus on the size of needle to be used. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to identify the appropriate needle size to establish an IVD degeneration model. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, experimental trial. SETTING: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China. METHODS: Validity was verified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology. RESULTS: From T2-weighted MRI imaging and histological examination, the IVD punctured by the 16-gauge needle degenerated acutely one week after the operation, whereas the 26-gauge needle puncture did no harm to the IVD. An 18-gauge needle showed a progressive degeneration in IVD. LIMITATIONS: The observation period was not very long (4 weeks). CONCLUSIONS: An 18-gauge needle can be used to induce IVD degeneration in rats. Therefore, an 18-gauge needle is the optimal selection to establish the degenerative IVD model on rats, whereas the 26-gauge needle failed to cause IVD degeneration. Thus, to study the prevention and treatment of IVD degeneration, a 26-gauge needle can be used for IVD injection of growth factors, plasmids, and drugs. A 16-gauge needle may be used to induce acute disc injury, but not IVD degeneration. KEY WORDS: Low back pain, degenerative intervertebral disc, animal model, puncture needle, rat model, optimal choice.
BACKGROUND: The incidence of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration has increased in recent years. A simple, reliable, and reproducible animal model is critical for understanding the underlying mechanisms of IVD degeneration. The caudal discs of rats have been proposed as a common puncture model in which to induce IVD degeneration. However, there is still no consensus on the size of needle to be used. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to identify the appropriate needle size to establish an IVD degeneration model. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, experimental trial. SETTING: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China. METHODS: Validity was verified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology. RESULTS: From T2-weighted MRI imaging and histological examination, the IVD punctured by the 16-gauge needle degenerated acutely one week after the operation, whereas the 26-gauge needle puncture did no harm to the IVD. An 18-gauge needle showed a progressive degeneration in IVD. LIMITATIONS: The observation period was not very long (4 weeks). CONCLUSIONS: An 18-gauge needle can be used to induce IVD degeneration in rats. Therefore, an 18-gauge needle is the optimal selection to establish the degenerative IVD model on rats, whereas the 26-gauge needle failed to cause IVD degeneration. Thus, to study the prevention and treatment of IVD degeneration, a 26-gauge needle can be used for IVD injection of growth factors, plasmids, and drugs. A 16-gauge needle may be used to induce acute disc injury, but not IVD degeneration. KEY WORDS: Low back pain, degenerative intervertebral disc, animal model, puncture needle, rat model, optimal choice.
Authors: Juliane D Glaeser; Wafa Tawackoli; Derek G Ju; Jae H Yang; Linda Ea Kanim; Khosrowdad Salehi; Victoria Yu; Evan Saidara; Jean-Phillipe Vit; Zhanna Khnkoyan; Zachary NaPier; Laura S Stone; Hyun W Bae; Dmitriy Sheyn Journal: JOR Spine Date: 2020-06-22