This video demonstrates the technique of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in the ovine model.
There are some sources of variability to consider while planning and performing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Therefore, for consistency of the model, the animals should be of the same age and breed. We prefer two year old, crossbred Leicester Merino sheep. If performed correctly, there will be minimal complications such as bleeding, infection, or mortality. Bleeding should be controlled throughout the procedure and haemosatsis checked before closing. Prophylactic antiobiotics are given at induction to minimse infection risk. Advice and help from the Clinical Veterinarians is invaluable and should be sought early. The procedure is generally well tolerated.
Monitoring of progression of fusion can be performed with regular x-rays.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have demonstrated techniques and hardware and a simple and reproducible method for studying novel therapies for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.
The authors thank Dr Anne Gibbon, Dr Christine Mackay and all the staff at Monash Animal Services and Physiology animal house. The authors thank Jeremy Weinstein and the Mcube team for video and animation production.a
Material Name | Type | Company | Catalogue Number | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Marcain | AstraZeneca | 0/5% Bupivicaine hydrochloride solution for injection 100mg in 20 mls | ||
Thiopentone | Illium | Thiopentone sodium (sterile powder for injection) 5g | ||
Issoranne | Baxter | Isoflurane BP 100% | ||
Chlorehxidine | Jurox | 40mg/ml Chlorhexidine glucoronate | ||
PVD Iodine Solution | Apex | Povidine Iodine 100mg/ml |