Abstract
Background ContextExcessive spinal distraction is a major cause of distraction spinal cord injury (SCI) during spinal deformity correction surgery. However, the lack of animal models of gradable and replicable distraction SCI has hampered research about how it occurs and how it can be prevented. The rabbit is a suitable choice for a model because it is more similar to humans than the rat, the most often used for studies of distraction SCI. The rabbit is readily acquired and reasonably affordable to maintain. PurposeThe study aims to develop a gradable and replicable animal model of human lumbar distraction SCI. Study DesignThis is an animal laboratory study. MethodsWe built a spine distractor designed to vary the percentage of spine distraction by changing the movement between the bony landmarks of the spine. Anesthetized rabbits underwent surgery to expose the vertebral segments from T12 through L4. The distractor was mounted onto the T12 and L4 vertebral segments, and distraction was effected by turning the distractor's central screw to 0% (control), 10%, 20%, or 30% of the length from the L1 to the L4 vertebral segments, with eight rabbits in each group. Cortical somatosensory evoked potentials were recorded, and neurologic function was evaluated before the distractor was mounted and after the distractor was dismounted. The rabbits were killed, and spinal cord samples were taken for biochemical, histopathologic, and stereologic studies. ResultsWith increasing percentage distraction, the extent of distraction SCI increased as measured by recordings of cortical somatosensory evoked potentials, neurologic function, and biochemical, histopathologic, and stereologic studies. ConclusionsOur model can be widely applied to studies of the causes of and treatment for distraction SCI.
Published Version
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