The effect of extracorporeal shockwaves on cartilage end-plates in rabbits: A preliminary MRI and histopathological study

ERTÜRK C., Altay M. A., Özardali I., Altay N., Çeçe H., Işikan U. E.

Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica, cilt.46, sa.6, ss.449-454, 2012 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus, TRDizin)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 46 Sayı: 6
  • Basım Tarihi: 2012
  • Doi Numarası: 10.3944/aott.2012.2931
  • Dergi Adı: Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.449-454
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Biological effect, cartilage end-plate, extracorporeal shockwave, intervertebral disc, rabbit
  • Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the changes in the lumbar intervertebral area after extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) at different energy levels in a rabbit model using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathological evaluation. Methods: The study included 30 male New Zealand white rabbits divided randomly into five groups: Groups A and C received 1,000 shockwave impulses at an intensity of 14 kV, Groups B and D received 1,000 impulses at 21 kV, and Group E was a sham group. Side effects such as subcutaneous and paravertebral soft-tissue injuries were evaluated using MRI one day after ESWT administration. Neovascularization, edema and fibroblast activity in the intervertebral area were evaluated histopathologically. Results: No change was observed in any group on MRI. Histopathologically, Groups A and C showed no change, whereas Groups B and D showed edema, fibroblast activity and significant neovascularization at the intervertebral end-plate (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that ESWT caused dose-dependent changes in the intervertebral end-plate. This study constitutes a preliminary evaluation of shockwave therapy to the intervertebral area in an animal model. High-dose ESWT may stimulate angiogenesis at cartilage end-plates in rabbits. © 2012 Turkish Association of Orthopaedics and Traumatology.