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Total disc replacement using tissue-engineered intervertebral discs in the canine cervical spine.
Yu Moriguchi1, Jorge Mojica-Santiago2, Peter Grunert1
1Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America.
Plos One
|October 21, 2017
Summary
Tissue engineered intervertebral discs (TE-IVDs) show promise for treating degenerative disc disease. These novel implants successfully maintained disc height and hydration in canine cervical spines over 16 weeks, offering a potential alternative to mechanical treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Spine Surgery
Background:
- Degenerative disc disease is a leading cause of lower back and neck pain in adults.
- Current treatments for degenerative disc disease primarily involve mechanical devices.
- Tissue engineered intervertebral discs (TE-IVDs) offer a potential biological alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of TE-IVDs in a canine cervical spine model.
- To assess the structural integrity, hydration, and host integration of TE-IVDs in vivo.
Main Methods:
- TE-IVDs were constructed using canine annulus fibrosis and nucleus pulposus cells within hydrogel scaffolds.
- Skeletally mature beagles underwent discectomy and TE-IVD implantation.
- Histological and biomechanical assessments were performed at 4 and 16 weeks post-implantation.
Main Results:
- Implanted TE-IVDs maintained disc height and hydration compared to controls.
- Histology revealed chondrocytic cells and proteoglycan-rich matrices (NP) and fibrocartilaginous matrices (AF).
- TE-IVDs showed successful integration with host tissue without immune reactions over 16 weeks.
Conclusions:
- TE-IVDs demonstrate efficacy and stability in the challenging biomechanical environment of the canine cervical spine.
- These findings support TE-IVDs as a viable regenerative approach for degenerative disc disease.
- Further research may advance TE-IVDs as a clinical treatment option for spinal degeneration.
