A New Technique of Percutaneous Needle Placement Using Computed Tomography for Injection and Aspiration of the Canine Lumbar Intervertebral Disc

Minimally invasive methods are desirable and important for therapeutic purposes and animal modeling of intervertebral disc disease. Most  therapeutics and models are delivered and induced invasively rather than minimally invasively. Application of minimally invasive approaches in intervertebral disc, which is closed to critical structures, would be advantageous.

The objective of this study is to introduce and evaluate a new approach for percutaneous needle placement using computed tomography for injection and aspiration of the canine lumbar intervertebral disc.

This study was performed on eighteen healthy dogs in two different intervals. In each interval, three intervertebral discs were chosen and a spinal needle with suitable gauge were inserted at the center of the disc through the annulus fibrosus into the nucleus pulposus using computed tomography.

Accuracy and agility of needle placement showed better results with progression of study. The number of needle placement in proper position was one time minimally and three times maximally. Only in 10.2% of cases was minor hemorrhage observed in needle puncture site. The average time for placement of every needle was 141 s. No unexpected complication was observed.

Needle placement into the canine intervertebral disc could be applied in a simple and fast procedure for therapeutic and research purposes without any complication.