Preclinical model for lumbar interbody fusion in small ruminants: Rationale and guideline

Anneli Duits*, Daniela Salvatori, Jacobine Schouten, Paul van Urk, Steven van Gaalen, Karsten Ottink, Cuhmur Öner, Moyo Kruyt

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Lumbar interbody fusion (IF) is a common procedure to obtain fusion of the spine by replacement of the intervertebral disc with a cage. Optimization of spinal cages is ongoing to reduce complications such as a pseudoarthrosis and subsidence of the cage. IF animal models (primate, dog, pig, goat and sheep) remain important to assess implant effectivity. But currently the available literature is dispersed and not IF model specific. Therefore unwanted inconsistencies between studies occur that limit generalizability. Based on our experience, anatomical preparation and literature research, we present a rationale for species selection and a practical guide for the surgical procedure in the goat animal model. The translational Potential of this Article: Rigorous methodologic design is an important means to improve translational value and generalizability of large animal IF efficacy studies. This paper provides a rationale and practical guide for animal selection and surgical decision making that can help reduce unnecessary variation between models and improve methodologic rigor and documentation for future experiments.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)167-174
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Translation
Volume38
Early online date15 Nov 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2023

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The applicability of quadrupeds for spinal research was long debated for the obvious postural differences, but the quadruped spine resembles human spinal kinematics relatively well and the NHP spine does not perform any better in comparison to quadrupeds [40]. The spinal function is similar to humans as the column supports the body with a substantial range of motion (ROM) that is stabilized by muscle forces [41,42]. Humans and quadrupeds show the same trabecular bone architecture consistent with axial loading. However it's likely the quadruped vertebrae are subject to higher stresses as the BMD is higher and the endplate surface is smaller [17].

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 The Authors

Keywords

  • Lumbosacral region
  • Models
  • Animal
  • Goats
  • Sheep
  • Spinal fusion
  • Translational research

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