• Rong-Ping Zhou, Zhong-Min Zhang, Liang Wang, Min-Jun Huang, Xiao-Chen Zheng, Yun-Neng Cui, Ming Yin, Xiao-Kai Wang, Nv-Zhao Yao, Tian-Yu Chen, Jian Chen, Xiao-Chun Bai, and Da-Di Jin.
• Research Institute of Orthopedic, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
• J. Surg. Res. 2013 May 1;181(2):e65-74.

BackgroundVarious animal models have been developed to investigate the complex mechanisms leading to intervertebral disc disorders and to evaluate the different therapeutic options. The needle puncture technique is commonly used to induce intervertebral degeneration in animal models. The present study aimed to establish a rabbit model of intervertebral disc degeneration using a simple, minimally invasive procedure.Methods And MaterialsThe animal model was created in the rabbit using computed tomography-guided percutaneous puncture technology. An 18-gauge needle was used to induce a disc injury with a 5-mm puncture depth. Radiographic, histologic, and biochemical analyses and magnetic resonance imaging were performed to assess the consequent disc degeneration.ResultsSignificant disc space narrowing was observed as early as 4 wk, and osteophytes were formed at 12 wk after puncture. The magnetic resonance imaging assessment demonstrated a progressive loss of T2-weighted signal intensity at the stabbed discs throughout the 12-wk period. The histologic analysis showed a progressive loss of the normal architecture from 4 wk to the end point. The biochemical assays suggested that the expression of proteoglycan decreased progressively with increasing time.ConclusionsA simple, but minimally invasive, intervertebral disc degeneration model was established successfully using computed tomography-guided percutaneous puncture technology in the rabbit. The puncture procedure can be performed with minimal damage and handling of the other structures, ensuring a uniform reproducible disc degeneration model.Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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