Surgical Technique for the Implantation of a Biomimetic Artificial Intervertebral Disc in a Goat Animal Model

Abstract

Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) has emerged as a surgical solution for patients with degenerative compressive cervical myelopathy but faces limitations, particularly in achieving stable integration. One of the primary challenges with current artificial discs is the risk of migration and dislocation due to insufficient osseointegration with the adjacent vertebrae. While CDA is an established treatment in human medicine, dogs with cervical myelopathy are routinely treated with decompressive surgeries. In veterinary medicine, there is particular interest in innovative therapies, such as disc arthroplasty. Recently, a novel biomimetic artificial intervertebral disc (BioAID) was developed. This artificial disc replicates key features of the natural disc, incorporating a viscoelastic core and a tensile fiber jacket mimicking the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus, respectively. Titanium endplates with keels secure fixation, and the fiber jacket facilitates osseointegration with the adjacent vertebrae to minimize the risk of migration over time.Since goats are a commonly used and readily available animal model for spine research, this study presents a comprehensive, hands-on guide (including the design and fabrication of the implant, selection and enrollment of experimental animals, preoperative management, anesthesia protocols, and postoperative care) for the implantation of the artificial disc device in the goat cervical spine. A detailed, step-by-step surgical methodology is provided, along with the design of custom surgical instruments and the use of imaging techniques required both intra- and post-operatively. This approach bridges the gap between experimental research and clinical application. The surgical procedure was successfully performed in four goats, with post-implantation monitoring over 21 days confirming no migration or complications. These findings suggest that the implantation technique ensures primary stability, supporting its feasibility for further evaluation. Future studies are needed to assess long-term osseointegration and biomechanical performance before translating this approach to clinical applications in both humans and dogs.