2007 Volume No 13– pages 1-10
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Title: Animal models for implant biomaterial research
in bone: A review |
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Author: AI Pearce, RG Richards, S Milz, E Schneider,
SG Pearce |
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Address: AO Research Institute, AO Foundation, Clavadelerstrasse
8, Davos, Switzerland |
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E-mail: alexandra.pearce at aofoundation.org |
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Key Words: Animal-models, biomaterials, osseointegration,
bone, implant, dog, pig, sheep, goat, rabbit. |
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Publication date: March 2nd 2007 |
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Abstract: Development of an optimal interface between
bone and orthopaedic and dental implants has taken place for
many years. In order to determine whether a newly developed
implant material conforms to the requirements of biocompatibility,
mechanical stability and safety, it must undergo rigorous
testing both in vitro and in vivo. Results from
in vitro studies can be difficult to extrapolate to
the in vivo situation. For this reason the use of animal
models is often an essential step in the testing of orthopaedic
and dental implants prior to clinical use in humans. This
review discusses some of the more commonly available and frequently
used animal models such as the dog, sheep, goat, pig and rabbit
models for the evaluation of bone-implant interactions. Factors
for consideration when choosing an animal model and implant
design are discussed. Various bone specific features are discussed
including the usage of the species, bone macrostructure and
microstructure and bone composition and remodelling, with
emphasis being placed on the similarity between the animal
model and the human clinical situation. While the rabbit was
the most commonly used of the species discussed in this review,
it is clear that this species showed the least similarities
to human bone. There were only minor differences in bone composition
between the various species and humans. The pig demonstrated
a good likeness with human bone however difficulties may be
encountered in relation to their size and ease of handling.
In this respect the dog and sheep/goat show more promise as
animal models for the testing of bone implant materials. While
no species fulfils all of the requirements of an ideal model,
an understanding of the differences in bone architecture and
remodelling between the species is likely to assist in the
selection of a suitable species for a defined research question. |
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Article download: Pages
1-10 (PDF file) |
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