Studies on Experimental Spondylosis Deformans

To study the spondylosis deformans, the nucleus pulposus was escaped to incise the anulus fibrosus at the fourth and/or fifth intervertebral discs. After this procedure, macroscopical, roentgenographical and histological examination was made periodically.In one month, there was nothing particular findings except incision wound macroscopically. Two months later, osteophytic bulging was found at the ventral margin of the intervertebral disc. The spine mobility was severe restricted.Roentgenogram showed the narrowing of the intervertebral space in one month, but osteophyte and calcification which was usually found in the spondylosis deformans was revealed at the anterior part of the disc on three months after the procedure.The superficial part of the wound in the anulus repaired in three weeks. The deeper one was persisted unhealed in three months.In control rabbits, a faint fluorescens was observed at the epiphyseal plate, on the other hand, an apparent light green fluorescens was observed at the epiphyseal plate, trabeculae of the epiphysis and ossification part in disc incised rabbits.