Développement d'un modèle de contusion antérieure de la moelle épinière porcine

Abstract

The development of animal model to analyse the biomechanics of spinal cord injuries (SCI) is used to validate simulation models. This model also aims to better understand the specific damage associated with any trauma and observe the traumatic behaviour of the spinal cord in vivo. Using a porcine model can bring experimental SCI models closer to clinical reality. In addition, this type of injury is usually caused by fractures of the vertebral body and thus an anterior compression of the spinal cord. This study uses a porcine model to reproduce a direct contusion of the spinal cord. The aim of this project is to develop a novel animal model of spinal cord injuries. Specifically, the objectives of the study are: 1) Propose an anterior approach to reproduce experimental spinal cord contusion using porcine model. This objective needs a specific bench test to control the anterior contusion on spinal cord after being exposed with a clean surgical protocol. 2) Compare the anterior and posterior approaches according to their viability compared to the clinical reality and compared to experimental surgical feasibility. 3) Develop an experimental bench test allowing anterior and posterior approaches. Specifically designed to reduce the risk of surgical complications, this new bench test has also normalize surgical protocol. Several experiments were carried out to enable the validation of test bench and the comparison between the posterior and anterior approaches. Then, a specification and design process has been completed in order to develop a new experimental surgical table. The results of preliminary tests showed that an anterior contusion approach is viable and reasonable on porcine models. The first test bench proved its ability to reproduce a direct impact on spinal cord on different specimens. Moreover, despite the small number of in vivo specimens used, a difference is observed between an anterior impact and a posterior impact. The hematoma site, the contusion location and the damaged tissues differ depending on the approach. The anterior approach, closer to clinical reality, should be studied more comprehensively. Finally, an experimental surgical table was designed and built. This new table will contribute to accelerate and improve the spinal cord injuries analysis and reduce clinical unknown. This new surgical table includes a linear actuator to reproduce the SCI. A motorized system allows higher impact velocity. Also, the impact rebound will be controlled and deflexion, force and energy at impact will be recorded. A rotational table system is designed to limit position displacement. This will help to reduce surgical complications due to displacement.

Date	7 May 2014
Original language	French
Awarding Institution	École de technologie supérieure
Supervisor	Yvan Petit (Supervisor) & Jean Marc Mac-Thiong (Co-supervisor)