[Reactive-inflammatory process in the spinal canal after implantation of autologous intervertebral disk cartilage]

The results of 6-month follow-up morphologic and immunomorphologic studies on 34 rabbits after the implantation of an autologous intervertebraldisk cartilage into the epidural space are presented. The data indicate of the reactive inflammatory process with a specific two-phase course of development. The cellular structure and the change of immunocompetent cell populations in the inflammation foci suggest the formation of hypersensitivity reaction 3 weeks after implantation. Inflammatory reactions in the vertebral canal tissues in response to disk fragment prolapse result in wide-spread cicatrix changes.