Development of a cranium-infection rat model for artificial bone implantation

Abstract

For the development of infection-resistant artificial bone, a robust animal model that closely mimics clinical infection is necessary. Therefore, we established a rat model of cranial infection. After creating a bone defect in the parietal cranium of rats, either collagen sponge honeycomb or sterile cotton gauze was inserted into the defect, and wounds were then inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus. This method effectively resulted in cranial infection in a manner dependent on the inserted sponge/gauze. In conclusion, we believe this model will be useful as a cranial infection model and will enable studies of materials used in cranioplasty for their infection potential in a state befitting that of a clinical setting.