Cervical stability changes following metal rubber cervical disc replacement / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:Previous studies designed and made titanium metal rubber cervical disc prosthesis, and performed feasible studies on its effect on movement and stress distribution by replicating intervertebral discs. OBJECTIVE:To further observe the changes in the stability of goat cervical vertebra after metal rubber cervical disc replacement. METHODS:Nine goats were randomly divided into experimental group (n=6) and normal control group (n=3). Goats in the experimental group received metal rubber cervical disc replacement at C4/5segment. Goats in the normal control group did not receive any treatment. Radiographic data at anteroposterior and lateral position, hyperextension and excessive flexion were taken to measure intervertebral height, range of motion and intervertebral angle at C4/5 segment before operation, immediately, 4, 8, 12 weeks after operation. Subsequently, slicing and embedding of hard tissue at surgical segment, picric acid-acid fuchsin staining and scanning electron microscopy were conducted.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:No significant difference in the intervertebral height and spinal range of motion at C4/5 segment at different time points was detected between postoperative results in the experimental group and preoperative results in the experimental group, normal control group. The intervertebral height at C4/5 segment was higher immediately, 4 and 8 weeks after surgery than preoperative result in the experimental group (P < 0.05). No significant difference in intervertebral angle at C4/5 segment was detectable between 4, 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively in the experimental group and normal control group (P < 0.05). At 4 weeks after surgery, bone did not contact with the edge of the prosthesis in the experimental group. At 8 weeks, the gap between bone and the prosthesis became smal, and some new bone attached to the edge of the prosthesis. At 12 weeks, a few osteoblasts were observed on the surface of the prosthesis. New osteogenic tissue grew into the prosthesis. Results suggested that metal rubber cervical disc replacement in the intervertebral space could maintain intervertebral height and range of motion in a short period, and tightly bind to the vertebral body.