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Effect of experimental root sheath compression on dura
V M Haughton1, C M Nguyen, K C Ho
1Department of Radiology and Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
Investigative Radiology
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Chronic mechanical compression from herniated nucleus pulposus does not cause dural scars or nerve root degeneration. This study found no evidence supporting the hypothesis that compression leads to dural fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Herniated nucleus pulposus can lead to dural scarring and nerve root degeneration.
- The underlying cause of these associated pathologies remains unclear.
- Mechanical compression of the dura mater is a potential, yet unproven, factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the effect of chronic mechanical compression on the dura mater.
- To determine if compression causes dural fibrosis and arachnoid scarring.
- To test the hypothesis that mechanical compression is responsible for dural changes seen with herniated nucleus pulposus.
Main Methods:
- A surgical model was created in animals involving laminectomy and nerve root sheath elevation using a bone chip.
- Control animals underwent laminectomy alone.
- Dural changes, specifically arachnoid fibrosis, were assessed four weeks post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Animals subjected to nerve root sheath compression showed no significant increase in arachnoid fibrosis compared to control animals.
- The experimental compression did not induce dural scarring.
- Findings indicate a lack of correlation between chronic mechanical compression and dural fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- The hypothesis that chronic mechanical compression causes dural fibrosis is not supported by this study.
- The etiology of dural scars and nerve root degeneration associated with herniated nucleus pulposus likely involves other mechanisms.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the factors contributing to these spinal pathologies.