Is asporin , a susceptibility gene in osteoarthritis , expressed at higher levels in the more degenerate human intervertebral disc?
In the discs of Caucasian subjects studied here, and in the sand rat, greater immunolocalization levels were found in the outer compared to inner annulus. Localization was rare in the nucleus. Gene expression studies showed greatest expression of asporin in the more degenerate human discs in vivo.
This study suggests that enucleation with primary orbital reconstruction and implant insertion for recalcitrant, fulminant ocular infection is an acceptable and advantageous treatment strategy. The risks and expenses associated with two separate surgeries are decreased, hospitalization time is potentially reduced, and subsequent rehabilitation can be initiated in a more timely fashion.