Resorbable cages for spinal fusion: an experimental goat model

Animal models of regenerative medicine for biological treatment approaches of degenerative disc diseases

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a painful, chronic and progressive disease, which is characterized by inflammation, structural and biological deterioration of the intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues. DDD is specified as cell-, age-, and genetic-dependent degenerative process that can be accelerated by environmental factors. It is one of the major causes of chronic back pain and disability affecting millions of people globally. Current treatment options, such as physical rehabilitation, pain management, and surgical intervention, can provide only temporary pain relief. Different animal models have been used to study the process of IVD degeneration and develop therapeutic options that may restore the structure and function of degenerative discs. Several research works have depicted considerable progress in understanding the biological basis of disc degeneration and the therapeutic potentials of cell transplantation, gene therapy, applications of supporting biomaterials and bioactive factors, or a combination thereof. Since animal models play increasingly significant roles in treatment approaches of DDD, we conducted an electronic database search on Medline through June 2020 to identify, compare, and discuss publications regarding biological therapeutic approaches of DDD that based on intradiscal treatment strategies. We provide an up-to-date overview of biological treatment strategies in animal models including mouse, rat, rabbit, porcine, bovine, ovine, caprine, canine, and primate models. Although no animal model could profoundly reproduce the clinical conditions in humans; animal models have played important roles in specifying our knowledge about the pathophysiology of DDD. They are crucial for developing new therapy approaches for clinical applications.

Biomechanical Analysis of Bilateral Facet Joint Stabilization Using Bioderived Tendon for Posterior Cervical Spine Motion Reservation in Goats

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the biomechanical properties of a novel stabilization method for posterior cervical motion preservation using bioderived freeze-dried tendon.

METHODS

Experiments were conducted both in vitro and in vivo. For the in vitro group, 15 fresh-frozen goat spines (C1-C7) were randomly divided into 3 subgroups: intact (INT-vitro, n = 5), injury model (IM-vitro, n = 5), and bilateral facet joint stabilization (BFJS-vitro, n = 5) subgroups. For the in vivo group, 15 adult goats were randomly divided into 3 experimental subgroups: INT-vivo subgroup (n = 5), IM-vivo subgroup (n = 5), and BFJS-vivo subgroup (n = 5). Goats in the in vivo group were euthanized 12 weeks after surgery. Biomechanical tests were performed to evaluate range of motion. Histologic analysis was conducted to evaluate survival and reactions associated with the bioderived tendon.

RESULTS

Compared with the INT-vitro and INT-vivo subgroups, the flexion of IM-vitro and IM-vivo subgroups increased significantly, respectively (P < 0.05). The flexion of the BFJS-vitro and BFJS-vivo subgroups was significantly smaller than in the IM-vitro and IM-vivo subgroups, respectively (P < 0.05). Significant differences between the BFJS-vitro and BFJS-vivo subgroups were observed in flexion, lateral bending, and rotation (P < 0.05). Histologic evaluation demonstrated that fibers arranged regularly and stained homogeneously. New vessels in growth indicated that the bioderived tendon was survival and processed good regeneration.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral facet joint stabilization can significantly limit excessive flexion motion and maintain adequate stability. Furthermore, the preservation of extension motions without limiting lateral bending and rotation ideally simulates the features of the posterior ligamentous complex. This preserves the dynamic stability of the lower cervical spine.

Scaffold translation: barriers between concept and clinic

Translation of scaffold-based bone tissue engineering (BTE) therapies to clinical use remains, bluntly, a failure. This dearth of translated tissue engineering therapies (including scaffolds) remains despite 25 years of research, research funding totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, over 12,000 papers on BTE and over 2000 papers on BTE scaffolds alone in the past 10 years (PubMed search). Enabling scaffold translation requires first an understanding of the challenges, and second, addressing the complete range of these challenges. There are the obvious technical challenges of designing, manufacturing, and functionalizing scaffolds to fill the Form, Fixation, Function, and Formation needs of bone defect repair. However, these technical solutions should be targeted to specific clinical indications (e.g., mandibular defects, spine fusion, long bone defects, etc.). Further, technical solutions should also address business challenges, including the need to obtain regulatory approval, meet specific market needs, and obtain private investment to develop products, again for specific clinical indications. Finally, these business and technical challenges present a much different model than the typical research paradigm, presenting the field with philosophical challenges in terms of publishing and funding priorities that should be addressed as well. In this article, we review in detail the technical, business, and philosophical barriers of translating scaffolds from Concept to Clinic. We argue that envisioning and engineering scaffolds as modular systems with a sliding scale of complexity offers the best path to addressing these translational challenges.

Tissue identification with micro-magnetic resonance imaging in a caprine spinal fusion model

Nonunion is a major complication of spinal interbody fusion. Currently X-ray and computed tomography (CT) are used for evaluating the spinal fusion process. However, both imaging modalities have limitations in judgment of the early stages of this fusion process, as they only visualize mineralized bone. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be of great value as it is able to discriminate between different types of tissue. A feasibility study was performed in nine animals from a goat spinal fusion study, to evaluate the detection capacity of different tissues with micro-MRI. In this study bioresorbable polylactic acid cages were used. Six- and 12-months follow-up specimens were scanned in a 6.3 T micro-MRI scanner. After scanning, the specimens were processed for histology. Different types of tissue as well as the degradable cage material were identified in the fusion zone and designated as regions of interest (ROIs). Subsequently, the location of these ROIs was determined on the corresponding micro-MRI image, and average signal intensities of every individual ROI were measured. An excellent match was seen between the histological sections and micro-MRI images. The micro-MRI images showed quantifiable differences in signal intensity between bone with adipose marrow, bone with hematopoietic marrow, fibrocartilage, fibrous tissue, and degradable implant material. In time the signal intensity of bone with adipose marrow, bone with hematopoietic red marrow, and of fibrous tissue remained relatively constant. On the other hand, the signal intensity of the degradable implant material and the fibrocartilage changed significantly in time, indicating change of structure and composition. In conclusion, in our model using bioresorbable cages the MRI provides us with detailed information about the early fusion process and may therefore, allow early diagnosis of non-union.

Adipose stem cells for intervertebral disc regeneration: current status and concepts for the future

New regenerative treatment strategies are being developed for intervertebral disc degeneration of which the implantation of various cell types is promising. All cell types used so far require in vitro expansion prior to clinical use, as these cells are only limited available. Adipose-tissue is an abundant, expendable and easily accessible source of mesenchymal stem cells. The use of these cells therefore eliminates the need for in vitro expansion and subsequently one-step regenerative treatment strategies can be developed. Our group envisioned, described and evaluated such a one-step procedure for spinal fusion in the goat model. In this review, we summarize the current status of cell-based treatments for intervertebral disc degeneration and identify the additional research needed before adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells can be evaluated in a one-step procedure for regenerative treatment of the intervertebral disc. We address the selection of stem cells from the stromal vascular fraction, the specific triggers needed for cell differentiation and potential suitable scaffolds. Although many factors need to be studied in more detail, potential application of a one-step procedure for intervertebral disc regeneration seems realistic.

In Vivo Assessment of Bone Graft/Endplate Contact Pressure in a Caprine Interbody Pseudarthrosis Model: A Preliminary Biomechanical Characterization of the Fusion Process for the Development of a Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Biosensor

Background

In this preliminary study we used a goat model to quantify pressure at an interbody bone graft interface. Although the study was designed to assess fusion status, the concept behind the technology could lead to early detection of implant failure and potential hazardous complications related to motion-preservation devices. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of in vivo pressure monitoring as a strategy to determine fusion status.

Methods

Telemetric pressure transducers were implanted, and pressure at the bone graft interfaces of cervical interbody fusion autografts placed into living goats (Groups A and B) was evaluated. Group A constituted the 4-month survival group and Group B the 6-month survival group. One goat served as the study control (Group C) and was not implanted with a pressure transducer. An additional six cadaveric goat cervical spines (Group D) were obtained from a local slaughterhouse and implanted with bone grafts and ventral plates and used for in vitro biomechanical comparison to the specimens from Groups A and B.

Results

All goats demonstrated an increase in interface pressure within the first 10 days postoperatively, with the largest relative change in pressure occurring between the sixth and ninth days. The goats from Groups A and B had a 200% to 400% increase in relative pressure.

Conclusions

Although this was a pilot study to assess pressure as an indicator for a fusion or pseudarthrosis, the preliminary data suggest that early bone healing is detectable by an increase in pressure. Thus, pressure may serve as an indicator of fusion status by detecting altered biomechanical parameters.

Iliac bars lever reduction and fixation system used in the treatment of spondylolisthesis

Background

The purpose of the current study was to use the Iliac Bars Lever Reduction and Fixation System (IBLRFS) for Grades 1 and 2 spondylolytic spondylolisthesis, evaluate its stability and reductive efficacy, and examine the complications.

Methods

Between April 2005 and August 2006, 44 patients with Grades 1 and 2 spondylolytic spondylolisthesis were treated surgically: 21 patients underwent posterior Iliac Bars Lever Reduction and Fixation (IBRLFS), 23 patients were treated with traditional stabilization and reduction systems (SRS). The follow-up periods ranged from 1 to 2 years (mean, 1 year and 2 months). The clinical outcome, fusion rate, average percentile degree of displacement, displacement angle, sacral inclination, ratio of intervertebral height, and complications were evaluated. Operating time, blood loss, and duration of hospital stay were compared.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in blood loss, recovery rate, and radiographic results. However, there were statistically significant differences in operating time (P < .05), duration of hospital stay (P < .05). There were no cases of nonunion in the two groups. In the IBLRFS group, preoperatively, the average percentile degree of displacement, displacement angle, sacral inclination, and ratio of intervertebral height were 23.48% ± 5.36%, 2.2° ± 1.1°, 29.4° ± 6.5°, and 0.68 ± 0.21, respectively. Postoperatively, the respective measurements were 6.47% ± 1.49%, 10.3° ± 3.3°, 42.6° ± 8.1°, and 0.85 ± 0.12. No patients experienced major complications.

In the SRS group, preoperatively, the average percentile degree of displacement, displacement angle, sacral inclination, and ratio of intervertebral height were 21.78% ± 5.16%, 2.3° ± 1.0°, 26.4° ± 8.5°, and 0.62 ± 0.25, respectively. Postoperatively, the respective measurements were 6.34% ± 2.01%, 9.8° ± 2.1°, 44.1° ± 7.6°, and 0.79 ± 0.23. One patient experienced a badly placed screw in the right pedicle of lumbar 4.

Conclusions

This kind of new fixation system (IBLRFS) was shown to be useful in the treatment of spondylolisthesis, and its use was associated with minimal complications after 14 months of mean follow-up.

Level of Evidence

Therapeutic, case studies (level 4).

Evaluation of the 96/4 PLDLLA polymer resorbable lumbar interbody cage in a long term animal model

Arthrodesis using interbody cages has demonstrated high fusion rates. However, permanent cages are exposed to stress-shielding, corrosion, and may require explanation when necessary. Polylactic acid (PLA) bioresorbable cages are developed for avoiding these problems, but significant tissue reaction has been reported with 70/30 PLDLLA in some preclinical animal studies. The objective was to evaluate 96/4 PLDLLA cages in a sheep model over 3 years. Sixteen sheeps underwent one level anterior lumbar interbody fusion using 96/4 PLDLLA cages, filled and surrounded with cancellous bone graft from the iliac crest. Six groups of three animals were killed after 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 36 months. Harvested lumbar spine had radiographic, MRI, and CT evaluation and histological analysis. Histological results: cage swelling and slight signs of fragmentation associated to fibrocartilaginous tissue apposition at 3 months; bone remodeling around the cage with direct apposition of the mineralization front at 6 months; active cage degradation and complete fusion around the cage at 9 months; cage fragmentation and partial replacement by bone tissue at 12 months; bone bridges in and around the cage at 24 months; full resorption and intervertebral fusion at 36 months. Radiological results: partial arthrodesis at 3 months; definite peripheral arthrodesis at 6 months; similar aspect at 9 months; significant cage resorption at 12 months; definite inner and outer fusion at 24 months; complete cage resorption and calcification at the location of the cage at 36 months confirmed histological observations. Radiographic, CT scan, MRI, and histological data were consistent for showing progressive resorption of 96/4 PLDLLA, interbody fusion, and bone remodeling, with no significant signs of local intolerance reaction. These results are promising and suggest further development of 96/4 PLDLLA cages.

[Biodegradable cage. Osteointegration in spondylodesis of the sheep cervical spine]

Bioabsorbable implants are commonplace in knee and shoulder surgery. Bioabsorbable poly(l-lactide-co-D,L-lactide) (PLDLLA) cage devices have potential benefits over autologous tricortical iliac crest bone graft and metallic cages for cervical spine interbody fusion. The purpose of this study was to compare interbody fusion of an autologous tricortical iliac crest bone graft with that of a bioabsorbable cage using a sheep cervical spine interbody fusion model. This study was designed to determine differences in (1) the ability to preserve postoperative distraction, (2) biomechanical stability, and (3) histological characteristics of intervertebral bone matrix formation. Sixteen full-grown Merino sheep underwent C3/4 discectomy and fusion. After 12 weeks, there was no significant difference between the results with the bioabsorbable PLDLLA cages and tricortical bone grafts. The cage also did not show advanced interbody fusion but did, however, show large osteolysis, which allows skepticism regarding the value of this bioabsorbable implant.

Two-year observation of artificial intervertebral disc replacement: results after supplemental ultra—high strength bioresorbable spinal stabilization

Object. This 2-year experimental study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of a bioactive three-dimensional (3D) fabric disc for lumbar intervertebral disc replacement. The authors used a bioresorbable spinal fixation rod consisting of a forged composite of particulate unsintered hydroxyapatite/poly-l-lactide acid (HA/PLLA) for stability augmentation. The biomechanical and histological alterations as well as possible device-related loosening were examined at 2 years postoperatively.

Methods. Two lumbar intervertebral discs (L2–3 and L4–5) were replaced with the 3D fabric discs, which were augmented by two titanium screws and a spanning bioresorbable rod (HA/PLLA). The segmental biomechanics and interface bone ingrowth were investigated at 6, 15, and 24 months postoperatively, and results were compared with the other two surgical groups (3D fabric disc alone; 3D fabric disc with additional anterior instrumentation stabilization). The 3D fabric disc and HA/PLLA—spinal segments demonstrated segmental mobility at 15 and 24 months; however, the range of motion (ROM) in flexion—extension decreased to 49 and 40%, respectively, despite statistically equivalent preserved torsional ROM. Histologically there was excellent osseous fusion at the 3D fabric disc surface—vertebral body interface. At 2 years posttreatment, no adverse tissue reaction nor aseptic loosening of the device was observed.

Conclusions. Intervertebral disc replacement with the 3D fabric disc was viable and when used in conjunction with the bioresorbable HA/PLLA spinal augmentation. Further refinements of device design to create a stand-alone type are necessary to obviate the need for additional spinal stabilization.