MECHANICAL CONSEQUENCES OF NEEDLE PUNCTURE INJURY IN THE MOUSE CAUDAL SPINE

摘要

CONCLUSION In this study an AF needle puncture injury was used to create degenerative-like changes in the mouse caudal disc. There were mechanical changes in compression, torsion, and creep that suggested that NP depressurization and reduction in AF fiber tension had occurred as a result of puncture. In addition, reduction in NP GAG, which has been extensively correlated to degenerative grade, was measured as well as a corresponding decrease in disc height. However, in the face of potential biological remodeling over 8 weeks, the mechanics of punctured discs were unchanged.