Surgical technique for lumbar intervertebral disc transplantation in a goat model.

PURPOSE: Fresh-frozen intervertebral disc transplantation was determined to be an effective treatment for degenerative disc diseases in rhesus monkeys and in humans. Further research in improving different aspects of disc allografts transplantation is needed and will be investigated in large animal models. This study reports the detailed surgical technique of intervertebral disc transplantation without internal fixation and the important notes to ensure success in goats.

METHODS

Fifty-one male goats were used in this study. Ten goats were used as intervertebral disc allograft donors; the remaining forty-one goats were used to develop the surgical technique for intervertebral disc allograft transplantation. Radiographs, ex vivo MRI and gross observation were used to monitor the stability and healing of the disc allografts at 3 months, postoperatively.

RESULTS

Size matching of the disc allograft, preservation of the anterior longitudinal ligament and an appropriate portion of the annulus fibrosus at the recipient site were crucial for stable graft retention. Additionally, a slightly reduced height of the disc allograft compared to that of the recipient slot may avoid graft endplate fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

Lumbar intervertebral disc transplantation without internal fixation can be successfully performed in goats.