Chronic cervical instability in mice and rats: a reproducible model to simulate human intervertebral disc degeneration.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chronic low-back pain, a leading cause of global disability, is closely linked to intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Traditional animal models have faced challenges in replicating the gradual, chronic nature of human IVDD.

Objective

To address these limitations, we aimed to develop a novel mouse model of cervical spine instability that more accurately mimics the progressive degeneration observed in humans.

Animals

This study used 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats (3 months old, weighing 230 ± 20 g) and 48 male C57BL/6 mice (12 weeks old, weighing 20 ± 2 g).

Methods

A bilateral cervical laminectomy combined with spinous process resection was performed while preserving the facet joints and posterior cervical muscles to induce chronic intervertebral ins

SUBMITTER: Tu K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12697298 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature