Microdialysis as a method for biochemical and physiological studies of the porcine and human disc

At present, no minimally invasive technique exists for the continuous evaluation of the biochemistry of animal and human intervertebral discs, but for research purposes microdialysis may be such a new technique. Thus, the aims of this study were to (1) evaluate if microdialysis can be used successfully in lumbar porcine disc and (2) develop a suitable procedure for the application of microdialysis in the human disc. Conventional specific pathogen-free pigs were used to evaluate cannulation (n = 2) and then insertion of a 10 mm microdialysis membrane, including recovery of a dialysate from the nucleus pulposus (n = 6). The procedure was performed immediately after euthanasia and aided by fluoroscopy to guide the needle and confirm catheter placement. Access to lumbar porcine disc was obtained with an 18 G 2 in. needle applied at a 35-45 degrees angle from the sagittal plane, and took less than 8 min to perform. At a 0.5 microL/min flush rate, dialysates could be recovered and analysable amounts of glucose, lactate and pyruvate were obtained. In one human cadaver, the L4-L5 disc was accessed by a 19 G 3 in. needle inserted at a 35-40 degrees angle. It was possible to apply 10 mm as well as 30 mm microdialysis membranes in the nucleus. In both species the position of the membranes was verified by direct fluoroscopy and with contrast fluid. The results obtained from porcine and human cadavers are promising, and encourage further in vivo studies using microdialysis technique on intervertebral discs.