Effect of rAAV2-hTGFβ1 Gene Transfer on Matrix Synthesis in an In Vivo Rabbit Disk Degeneration Model.

Study Design: In vivo gene transfer for disk regeneration.

Objective: To evaluate the efficiency and effect of human transforming growth factor β1 (hTGFβ1) gene transfer mediated by adeno-associated virus (AAV) in a rabbit disk degeneration model induced by fibronectin fragment (Fn-f).

Summary Of Background Data: Gene therapy for disk degeneration has been reported to be effective.

[A novel rabbit disc degeneration model induced by fibronectin fragment].

Objective: To establish a novel and useful rabbit model of lumbar disc degeneration using microinjection of fibronectin fragment (Fn-f).

Methods: Thirty-two New Zealand white rabbits underwent injection of N-terminal 30 kDa Fn-f (experimental group) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (control group) into the central region of L1-2, L2-3, L3-4, L4-5 discs using a 32-gauge microsyringe. Two rabbits (blank group) with no treatments were sacrificed to examine the proteoglycan synthesis of neucleus pulposus (NP) using (35)S-sulfate incorporation assay.

A novel rabbit disc degeneration model induced by fibronectin fragment.

Objective: To establish a novel and useful rabbit model of lumbar disc degeneration using microinjection of a fibronectin fragment.

Methods: Thirty-two rabbits underwent injection of N-terminal 30 kDa fibronectin fragment (Fn-f) (Group A, n=12; Group B, n=4) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (Group C, n=12; Group D, n=4) into the lumbar discs using a 32-gauge microsyringe. Two rabbits (Group E) with no treatment were sacrificed to examine the proteoglycan synthesis of neucleus pulposus (NP) using (35)S-sulfate incorporation assay.

Three-dimensional computed tomography imaging increases the reliability of classification systems for tibial plateau fractures.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether three-dimensional reconstructed computed tomography (CT) images can improve intra-observer and inter-observer reliability for classification systems of tibial plateau fractures compared to plain radiographs and two-dimensional CT images.

Methods: Twenty-one tibial plateau fractures were classified independently by four attending orthopaedic trauma surgeons using the AO/ASIF and Schatzker classification systems. First, a combination of plain radiographs and two-dimensional (2D) CT images were evaluated.