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Direct current stimulation for spine fusion in a nicotine exposure model
John C France1, Timothy L Norman, Matthew M Buchanan
1Department of Orthopaedics, Musculoskeletal Research Center, West Virginia University, 1 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506-9196, USA.
Summary
Nicotine improved spinal fusion rates in rabbits, with direct current (DC) electrical stimulation further enhancing bone healing. This study investigated the effects of nicotine and DC stimulation on spinal fusion in a rabbit model.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Regenerative Medicine
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Smoking negatively impacts spinal fusion success.
- Previous research indicates direct current (DC) electrical stimulation aids inter-transverse process fusion in rabbits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of DC stimulation on bone healing in spinal fusion within a rabbit model exposed to nicotine.
- To simulate the effects of heavy smoking on spinal fusion and assess potential interventions.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, controlled interventional study involving 30 male New Zealand white rabbits.
- Rabbits underwent single-level posterolateral inter-transverse process fusion with autologous iliac crest bone.
- Groups included: control, nicotine (transdermal patch), and nicotine plus 100-microamp DC stimulator.
Main Results:
- The nicotine group exhibited a significantly higher fusion rate than the control group.
- The nicotine/stimulator group showed significantly increased fusion rate and X-ray trabeculation compared to controls.
- No significant difference in fusion rate or X-ray trabeculation was observed between the nicotine and nicotine/stimulator groups.
Conclusions:
- Nicotine administration significantly enhanced spinal fusion rates in the rabbit model.
- DC electrical stimulation demonstrated a significant positive effect on X-ray trabeculation in nicotine-treated rabbits.
- While nicotine improved fusion, DC stimulation's additional benefit on fusion rate in nicotine-exposed rabbits was not statistically significant in this study.