Evaluating the Impact of Mechanical Manipulation on Inducing Disk Degeneration: A 3-Month Radiologic Follow-Up of Intervertebral Disk Degeneration in a Needle-Punctured Rat Tail Model

IntroductionThe rat tail model for the intervertebral disk degeneration has recently been receiving a high level of interest among the intervertebral disk degeneration studies. A better understanding of the time course and recognizing the role of mechanical manipulation may lead to development of a more reproducible model for further application in disk implanting studies. In this study, we aimed to establish a reproducible disk degeneration rat tail model by needle puncture and to assess the gradual progression of the degeneration over time.Materials and MethodsUnder fluoroscopic guidance, the fourth intervertebral disk space of the rat's tail in 13 mature Rowett Nude (RNU) male rats (T-Cell-Deficient, Athymic Nude Rats) was percutaneously stabbed on the left lateral side with an 18G needle. To standardize the depth of the stab, the tip of a syringe cap was cut at 5 mms point, and was then used with a new needle to puncture each new animal. The first seven rats (group 1) received no further mechanical ma...