Posterolateral intertransverse lumbar arthrodesis in the New Zealand White rabbit model: I. Surgical anatomy.
BACKGROUND
The New Zealand White rabbit model for posterolateral lumbar fusion is commonly used for spinal fusion research. However, the high rate of animal morbidity and mortality associated with the model makes experimentation inefficient and can lead to faulty data analysis. Operative complications are in part the result of inadequate knowledge of normal rabbit lumbar spine anatomy.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the lumbar spine anatomy of the New Zealand White rabbit as it pertains to the surgical technique of posterolateral intertransverse arthrodesis.


METHODS
This is a descriptive anatomical study of the lumbar spine (and related structures) of the New Zealand White rabbit spinal fusion model. The study was performed at a university research facility.


METHODS
The lumbar spine and associated soft tissue structures of 16 previously sacrificed, skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits were dissected and examined.


RESULTS
The musculoskeletal and neurologic structures relevant to posterolateral lumbar fusion in the New Zealand White rabbit are described.


CONCLUSIONS
Specific knowledge of rabbit lumbar spine anatomy allows the researcher to more rapidly acquire expertise in the surgical technique of posterolateral arthrodesis. Improved technical execution of the procedure should lower the complication rate, reduce the costs of experimentation and lead to more reliable and reproducible results.
Palumbo
Mark
M
Department of Orthopaedics, Brown Medical School, 2 Dudley Street, Providence, RI02905, USA.
Valdes
Mauricio
M
Robertson
Alex
A
Sheikh
Shoaib
S
Lucas
Phillip
P
D000818:Animals; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008161:Lumbosacral Region / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011817:Rabbits; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods*