ABSTRACT
Objective To establish a rabbit model of lumbar laminectomy and bone grains replantation and provide experimental evidence for the clinical application.Methods Eighteen healthy male New Zealand rabbits were selected and randomly divided into two groups:the control group (n=6) and experimental group (n=12).The rabbits of control group were given general anesthesia, and taking the L5 spinous process as the center to perfom left L5 laminectomy, using a micro lancet forceps to slowly bite the lamina and ligamentum flavum for fenestration and exposed to an approximately 0.8 cm x 0.3 cm sized bone window and then sutured the skin.The rabbits of experimental group were exposed to an approximately 0.8 x 0.3 cm sized bone window as well, and bone fragments were cut into small grains.Then the small bone grains were embedded in medical collagen sponge, to form an arch shape, and replanted them to the site of epidural fenestration.CT scan and histological changes were observed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after operation.Results At 8 weeks after operation, CT examination showed that in the experimental group, a thin bone plate was formed by the bone grains.At 12 weeks after operation, the bone plate became thicker and was connected with the vertebral bone, and with continuous bone trabeculae.The spinal canal and volume were not obviously changed, and no spinal cord compression was observed. The rabbits of control group showed segment lamina defects, a small scar protruding into the spinal canal, and the vertebral canal was not completely reconstructed. Conclusions The bone grains replantation can effectively promote bone reconstruction in the laminectomized rabbits, and the formed bone plate can prevent epidural scar from intruding into the spinal canal, and can reduce the postlaminectomy adhesion.