Systemically impaired fracture healing in small animal research: A review of fracture repair models

Abstract

Fracture healing is a complex process requiring mechanical stability, an osteoconductive matrix, and osteoinductive and osteogenic biology. This intricate process is easily disrupted by various patient factors such as chronic disease and lifestyle. As the medical complexity and age of patients with fractures continue to increase, the importance of developing relevant experimental models is becoming paramount in preclinical research. The objective of this review is to describe the most common small animal models of systemically impaired fracture healing used in the orthopedic literature including osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, smoking, alcohol use, obesity, and ageing. This review will provide orthopedic researchers with a summary of current models of systemically impaired fracture healing used in small animals and present an overview of the methods of induction for each condition.

Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field (PEMF) Effect on Bone Healing in Animal Models: A Review of Its Efficacy Related to Different Type of Damage

“…In the case of postmenopausal osteoporosis, ovariectomized rodents are favored, but also sheep and nonhuman primates can be used. In this scenario, a case-control study can be set up creating a sham-operated group for comparison with the ovariectomized group [37,38]. In all but two of the studies reviewed here, the animal model selected was the ovariectomized female rat, while in the remaining cases ovariectomized mice were used [39,40].…”

“…In the first case, streptozotocin and alloxan are the main drugs used in murine and leporine models due to their selective toxicity toward pancreatic β-cells. Regarding mutant strains, many genetic models have been developed over time, with BB Wistar rats, Zucker diabetic fatty rats and db/db leptin deficient mice being the most commonly studied ones [38]. As we can observe, the main models are rodents or rabbits.…”

“…As we can observe, the main models are rodents or rabbits. Although diet-induced diabetic models can be useful in studying the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, the long onset interval prevents them from being studied in many osseous damage experiments [38].…”

“…Oral uptake, subcutaneous or intramuscular injection or continuous intravenous infusion are all routes of administration. Also in this case, the long time period needed to induce bone damage discourages the use of larger sized animals [37,38]. In the present review, rodents were preferably studied, except in one case where New Zealand rabbits were selected [41].…”

Prediction of femoral strength of elderly men based on quantitative computed tomography images using machine learning

“…Osteoporosis (OP) is one of the most common age‐related diseases among elderly people. The progression of OP is characterized by decreased bone mass and increased bone fragility predisposing to an increased susceptibility for bone fracture 1 . Hip fracture is the most devastating type of osteoporotic fracture, and it is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden 2 .…”