Changes in gene expression profile caused by mechanical stress in the ligamentum flavum -long term rabbit model-

To identify the changes in gene expression profile caused by mechanical stress in the ligamentum flavum, we performed resection of the L3-4 supraspinal muscle and L2-3, L4-5 posterolateral fusion with instrumentation to concentrate the mechanical stress with segmental instability at the L3-4 level. The control group underwent only surgical exposure as a sham operation. Both groups of rabbits were sacrificed at 1 year after surgery and total RNA were extracted from ligamentum flavum.