title: Internal fixator for use in the mouse.
abstract: Knockout techniques enable us to expand our knowledge about bonerepair processes. Since they require the use of mice, such studies necessitate the development of special technologies. Mechano-biological reactions play a determining role in fracture healing, and therefore controlled conditions of stability are essential. Achieving fixation with a low-mass implant avoids uncontrolled inertial loading and enables free ambulation. A miniaturised version of conventional internal fixation as used in humans has been developed. The method consists of a plate-like internal fixator with locked screws. It permits compression fixation or splinting fixation at selectable levels of flexibility. A guide is used for standardised application of the fixator, the screws and the osteotomy. Locking the screws to the plate enables elevation of the fixator from the bone surface; therefore, minimal contact damage to the periosteal blood supply can be expected. The technology is now in use in several laboratories.
authors.affiliation: AO Development, Davos, Switzerland. romano.matthys@aofoundation.org
authors.forename: Romano
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Matthys
authors.forename: Stephan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Perren
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004867:Equipment Design; D005269:Femur / Q000098:blood supply; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D016268:Internal Fixators; D055595:Mechanical Phenomena; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results