Annals of Medicine and Surgery · 9 authors, 5 centres
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This review article examines the needle puncture method for inducing intervertebral disc degeneration in animal models. It concludes that the puncture method is less invasive, time-efficient, and allows for precise, reproducible injury control compared to other methods.
This narrative review evaluates the needle puncture method for creating intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) in animal models, primarily rabbits and rodents. The authors describe the procedure, which involves inserting a needle through the annulus fibrosus into the nucleus pulposus, causing a controlled injury that initiates a degenerative cascade. The method is presented as advantageous because it is less invasive, allows precise control over injury location and extent, and is more cost-effective than mechanical methods. Key results indicate that the time to achieve degeneration varies from 2 to 12 weeks depending on needle size and method, with larger needles inducing more severe degeneration. Limitations noted include the requirement for precise surgical technique and knowledge of anatomy. The review synthesizes information on the biological mechanisms of degeneration post-injury, such as inflammatory cytokine release and matrix degradation, and suggests the model is useful for studying treatment effects.
