A cost-effective method for the retrieval of nucleus pulposus from lumbar spine after cadaveric dissection for academic and museum specimen
Keywords:
Intervertebral Disc; Nucleus Pulposus; Annulus Fibrosus; Lower Back PainAbstract
Study Background:
The clinical characteristics of lower back pain associated with intervertebral disc degeneration are increasingly well characterized, driving the development of minimally invasive intradiscal therapies. A comprehensive understanding of the nucleus pulposus is essential for advancing such approaches and requires adequate nucleus pulposus specimens. In this context, cadaveric specimens provide a valuable source for nucleus pulposus retrieval and research
Objective:
This study aimed to develop a simple and cost-effective retrieval technique for the isolation of nucleus pulposus tissue from cadaveric specimens for anatomical, educational, and research purposes.
Methods:
At first, 42 years old male cadaver was embalmed with 10% formalin and subsequently used for routine dissection. After completion of dissection, the spinal segments containing L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 & S1 vertebrae were removed. The vertebrae were manually macerated using a scalpel & iron brush. Later on the vertebrae were separated and labelled as D1, D2, D3, D4 & D5 cutting along the body of each lumbar vertebra and subsequently decalcified dipping in 10% nitric acid for 3-4 days in two cycles. Following decalcification, individual nucleus pulposus tissues were carefully separated and retrieved.
Results:
A total of 5 nucleus pulposus were retrieved from the intervertebral disc of the lumbar spine which were labelled as 1st to 5th. The 1st in between 1st and 2nd lumbar vertebra, 2nd in between 2nd and 3rd lumbar vertebra, 3rd in between 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebra, 4th in between 4th and 5th lumbar vertebra and 5th in between 5th lumbar and 1st sacral vertebra. The size of the nucleus pulposus was found decreasing progressively from first to fifth within the annulus fibrous of lumbar intervertebral discs.
Conclusion:
This proposed technique enables simple, precise, and cost-effective retrieval of nucleus pulposus tissue from cadaveric specimens, providing suitable material for anatomical education, research, and museum applications
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