Animal Models of Disc Degeneration Using Puncture Injury: A 20 Year Perspective.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical research
• Animal models
• Spine research

Background:

• Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a leading cause of global disability.
• Puncture models of IVDD were introduced 20 years ago, revolutionizing preclinical studies.
• These models are crucial for understanding IVDD pathophysiology and screening therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical and current use of preclinical IVDD puncture models.
• To document the evolution and variations of these models.
• To provide recommendations for standardizing reporting to improve cross-study comparisons.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature on IVDD puncture models.
• Analysis of variability in model parameters such as species, needle gauge, puncture depth, and injectates.
• Examination of different IVDD phenotypes mimicked by these models.

Main Results:

• IVDD puncture models have evolved to mimic diverse clinical phenotypes, including slow progressive IVDD, disc herniation, and Modic-like changes.
• Specific puncture techniques allow control over injury severity and IVDD progression.
• Common measurements for characterizing IVDD in these models have been described.

Conclusions:

• Surgically induced IVDD puncture models have become highly versatile, simulating distinct clinical presentations.
• Standardized reporting of injury features (e.g., needle gauge, depth, angle) is essential for comparability.
• These models remain valuable tools for hypothesis testing and therapeutic screening in IVDD research.