Abstract
This protocol describes how to establish an ovine critical-size, segmental bone defect model to study bone regeneration and reconstruction. Critical-size bone defects, which require large-volume tissue reconstruction, remain a clinical challenge. Bone engineering has the potential to provide new treatment concepts, yet clinical translation requires anatomically and physiologically relevant ...
Abstract
This protocol describes how to establish an ovine critical-size, segmental bone defect model to study bone regeneration and reconstruction. Critical-size bone defects, which require large-volume tissue reconstruction, remain a clinical challenge. Bone engineering has the potential to provide new treatment concepts, yet clinical translation requires anatomically and physiologically relevant preclinical models. The ovine critical-size long-bone defect model has been validated in numerous studies as a preclinical tool for evaluating both conventional and novel bone-engineering concepts. With sufficient training and experience in large-animal studies, it is a technically feasible procedure with a high level of reproducibility when appropriate preoperative and postoperative management protocols are followed. The model can be established by following a procedure that includes the following stages: (i) preoperative planning and preparation, (ii) the surgical approach, (iii) postoperative management, and (iv) postmortem analysis. Using this model, full results for peer-reviewed publication can be attained within 2 years. In this protocol, we comprehensively describe how to establish proficiency using the preclinical model for the evaluation of a range of bone defect reconstruction options.