A Katsuura1, S Hukuda. 1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan.
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN: An investigation of the use of intervertebral disc allografting as a potential alternative to intervertebral fusion was performed. In 13 adult mongrel dogs, intervertebral disc units cryopreserved after slow freezing were grafted. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the morphologic and biosynthetic damage caused by cryopreserving the canine intervertebral disc before allografting. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cryopreservation did not alter the normal histologic appearance. The metabolic activity, measured by 35S-sulfate incorporation, was observed to be 44% of the fresh control. METHODS: Transplanted intervertebral discs were examined histologically and radiographically at 12, 24, and 48 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: The allografted disc had preserved anular and nuclear architecture with moderate loss of chondrocytes 12 weeks after grafting. However, the intervertebral disc showed evidence of progressive disc degeneration 1 year after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: More investigation of storage methods is needed to enhance the viability of the intervertebral disc for successful intervertebral disc allografting.
STUDY DESIGN: An investigation of the use of intervertebral disc allografting as a potential alternative to intervertebral fusion was performed. In 13 adult mongrel dogs, intervertebral disc units cryopreserved after slow freezing were grafted. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the morphologic and biosynthetic damage caused by cryopreserving the canine intervertebral disc before allografting. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cryopreservation did not alter the normal histologic appearance. The metabolic activity, measured by 35S-sulfate incorporation, was observed to be 44% of the fresh control. METHODS: Transplanted intervertebral discs were examined histologically and radiographically at 12, 24, and 48 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: The allografted disc had preserved anular and nuclear architecture with moderate loss of chondrocytes 12 weeks after grafting. However, the intervertebral disc showed evidence of progressive disc degeneration 1 year after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: More investigation of storage methods is needed to enhance the viability of the intervertebral disc for successful intervertebral disc allografting.
Authors: James C Iatridis; Steven B Nicoll; Arthur J Michalek; Benjamin A Walter; Michelle S Gupta Journal: Spine J Date: 2013-01-29 Impact factor: 4.166