Purpose To characterize in vivo the transpedicular approach (TA) as an alternative route to study interverte- bral disc (IVD) regeneration strategies in a sheep model. Methods 48 IVD of 12 sheep were used. TA was per- formed under fluoroscopy, followed by nucleotomy (2-mm shaver resector). A polyurethane scaffold was used to repair the end-plate. X-ray and MRI images were acquired pre-, intra- and post-operatively (1, 3, 6 months). Com- plications were recorded. Results TA was feasible in all animals; nucleus pulposus (NP) from L1 to L5 was accessible. Nucleotomy followed by end-plate repair was achieved. Loss of NP signal intensity was shown in MRI images of the nucleotomy group. Conclusions TA is feasible in vivo, repeatable after only a short learning period and safely performed without sig- nificant morbidity. This animal model allows the study of IVD degeneration physiopathology and investigation of IVD regeneration techniques in vivo.

The transpedicular approach for the study of intervertebral disc regeneration strategies: in vivo characterization

BERNARDINI, MARCO;DENARO, LUCA;D'AVELLA, DOMENICO;
2013

Abstract

Purpose To characterize in vivo the transpedicular approach (TA) as an alternative route to study interverte- bral disc (IVD) regeneration strategies in a sheep model. Methods 48 IVD of 12 sheep were used. TA was per- formed under fluoroscopy, followed by nucleotomy (2-mm shaver resector). A polyurethane scaffold was used to repair the end-plate. X-ray and MRI images were acquired pre-, intra- and post-operatively (1, 3, 6 months). Com- plications were recorded. Results TA was feasible in all animals; nucleus pulposus (NP) from L1 to L5 was accessible. Nucleotomy followed by end-plate repair was achieved. Loss of NP signal intensity was shown in MRI images of the nucleotomy group. Conclusions TA is feasible in vivo, repeatable after only a short learning period and safely performed without sig- nificant morbidity. This animal model allows the study of IVD degeneration physiopathology and investigation of IVD regeneration techniques in vivo.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11577/2839395
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