European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Needle injection through the outer annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is the most practical approach for delivery of therapeutic agents, which have been shown to potentially leak following needle retraction. The goal of this work was to establish a protocol for quantifying post-injection leakage and test its sensitivity to factors believed to affect needle track geometry. ⋯ Fluid injected into IVDs is at significant risk of leakage following needle retraction. This risk depends on factors which alter the geometry of the needle track, including needle size, pinching due to axial compression, and stretching as a result of forward flexion.
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Vertebral endplate lesion (EPL) caused by severe disc degeneration is associated with low back pain. However, there is no suitable animal model to elucidate the pathophysiology of EPL. This study aimed to develop a rat model of EPL and evaluate rat behavior and imaging and histological findings. ⋯ Our rat EPL model showed pain-related behavioral patterns and an increased expression of pain-related neuropeptide. This model could contribute to the study of the pathophysiology of EPL and will help in the treatment of low back pain in the future.