Development of a Unique Mouse Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model Using a Simple Novel Tool

Area of Science:

• Biomedical research
• Orthopedics
• Animal models

Background:

• Intervertebral disc degeneration is a primary cause of back pain in clinical practice.
• A reproducible animal model is crucial for understanding disc degeneration pathophysiology and testing therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a simple and reproducible disc degeneration model in mouse coccygeal vertebrae.

Main Methods:

• An animal case control study involving 18 mice divided into injured and non-injured groups.
• Disc height index (DHI) measured via CT scan at 2, 4, and 6 weeks post-injury.
• Histopathological grading of disc degeneration using Safranin O stain.

Main Results:

• The injured group exhibited significant DHI changes and worsening degeneration scores.
• The non-injured group showed no significant changes.
• The novel percutaneous needle injury technique achieved 100% accuracy and uniform degeneration.

Conclusions:

• A simple, cost-effective, and reproducible mouse model for disc degeneration was successfully created.
• The model utilizes a novel tool and technique that is precise and user-friendly.
• This model provides a valuable platform for studying disc degeneration and evaluating therapeutic interventions.