Posterolateral intertransverse lumbar arthrodesis in the New Zealand White rabbit model:: II. Operative technique

Abstract

Background context Although the New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit model has been increasingly used for spinal fusion research, reported complication rates have been as high as 23%. The substantial animal morbidity and mortality associated with the model makes experimentation inefficient and can lead to faulty data analysis. Operative complications are in part the result of suboptimal execution of the experimental protocol. Purpose To describe an experimental protocol for posterolateral intertransverse lumbar arthrodesis in the NZW rabbit and to analyze the effect of the protocol on the complication rate of this model. Study design/setting This is a descriptive analysis of the surgical technique (and related complications) used for posterolateral spinal arthrodesis in the NZW rabbit model. This study was performed at a university research facility. Methods The complications of posterolateral intertransverse lumbar arthrodesis in the NZW rabbit were analyzed before and after instituting a refined experimental protocol. Results A total of 77 NZW rabbits underwent a posterolateral lumbar arthrodesis. In the first 48 animals (Group A) complications occurred at a rate of 26% and included anesthetic demise, nerve palsies, wound infections or seromas and fusion of the wrong level. After the institution of a refined experimental protocol, there were no complications in a second group of 29 rabbits (Group B). Conclusions Adherence to a precise experimental protocol for posterolateral lumbar arthrodesis can minimize complications, thereby enhancing the NZW rabbit as a cost-effective and accurate animal model for spinal fusion research.