The implantation of non-cell-based materials to prevent the recurrent disc herniation: an in vivo porcine model using quantitative discomanometry examination

Eur Spine J. 2007 Jul;16(7):1021-7. doi: 10.1007/s00586-007-0306-1. Epub 2007 Jan 25.

Abstract

Recurrent disc herniation is frequently observed due to leakage of nucleus pulposus through injured anulus fibrosus. There is no effective treatment to prevent recurrent disc herniation yet. In this study, we proposed to implant non-cell-based materials into the porcine disc to stimulate the growth of fibrous tissue and thereby increase the disc functional integrity. The disc herniation was simulated by anular punctures using the spinal needles. Four clinically used implantation materials, i.e., gelfoam, platinum coil, bone cement and tissue glue, were delivered into the discs via percutaneous spinal needles. Two months after the surgery, the swine were killed. The degree of disc integrity of intact, naturally healed and implanted discs, was examined by quantitative discomanometry apparatus. We found the disc injury could not recover after 2 months of healing, and the disc implantation affected the degree of disc integrity. The disc integrity of gelfoam-implanted discs was better than that of coil-, bone cement-, and glue-implanted discs. The implantation of non-cell-based material was proved to be a potentially clinically applicable method to recover the integrity of injured discs and to prevent recurrent disc herniation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adhesives / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Bone Cements / therapeutic use
  • Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable / therapeutic use
  • Intervertebral Disc / physiology*
  • Intervertebral Disc / surgery*
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / prevention & control
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / surgery*
  • Platinum Compounds / therapeutic use
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Regeneration
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Swine
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*

Substances

  • Adhesives
  • Bone Cements
  • Platinum Compounds