Histological and biochemical findings in an experimental model of intervertebral disc degeneration based on radio frequency

The aim of this study is to develop an disc degeneration animal model which can be standardized, easy performed and which gives quickly results by using radiofrequency. For disc degeneration New Zealand rabbits were used. Animals were divided into three groups. First group was control. The second group was examined histological 15 days after the experiment for the early period findings. The last group was examined histological and biochemical 30 days after the experiment. Nucleoplasty device was applied to different disc levels in different doses. For histological evaluation, chondrocyt like cells were numbered and thicknesses of the collagen fibers were measured in the nucleosus pulposus. Biochemically, collagen weight and percentage decrease in liquid content of nucleosus pulposus were measured. When the results of the study groups were compared with the controls, thickened collagen bands and increased number of chondrocyt like cells were detected in favour of the study groups 15 days after the experiment. Microscopic measurements of intervertebral disc were statistically significantly increased on the 30(th) day of the experiment compared with the 15(th) day results (p<0.05). As biochemical, statistically significantly reduced in the amount of collagen and percentage decrease in the liquid content of nucleus pulposus in study groups compared with the controls support degeneration(p