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Experimental study of intervertebral disc allografting in the dog
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan.
Study Design:
An investigation of the use of intervertebral disc allografting as a potential alternative to intervertebral fusion was performed. In 13 adult mongrel dogs, intervertebral disc units cryopreserved after slow freezing were grafted.
Objectives:
To evaluate the morphologic and biosynthetic damage caused by cryopreserving the canine intervertebral disc before allografting.
Summary Of Background Data:
Cryopreservation did not alter the normal histologic appearance. The metabolic activity, measured by 35S-sulfate incorporation, was observed to be 44% of the fresh control.
Methods:
Transplanted intervertebral discs were examined histologically and radiographically at 12, 24, and 48 weeks after surgery.
Results:
The allografted disc had preserved anular and nuclear architecture with moderate loss of chondrocytes 12 weeks after grafting. However, the intervertebral disc showed evidence of progressive disc degeneration 1 year after transplantation.
Conclusions:
More investigation of storage methods is needed to enhance the viability of the intervertebral disc for successful intervertebral disc allografting.