title: Development of an in vivo experimental model for percutaneous vertebroplasty in sheep.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Several studies have described 'open' approach techniques for cementation of sheep and goat vertebrae; however, no percutaneous technique has been developed so far for use in non-primates. The aim of this study was to develop an animal model for percutaneous vertebroplasty under clinical conditions.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a pilot study with dissected cadaveric ovine vertebrae, the technique and instruments as well as the optimal needle position were determined. In an in vivo animal study using 33 lumbar vertebrae of 11 sheep, a percutaneous vertebroplasty was performed under general anaesthesia. Needle position and cement volume were evaluated from high resolution, quantitative computed tomography imaging.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The percutaneous technique for vertebroplasty was applicable to the vertebral bodies (L1 to L5) of the ovine lumbar spine without any related adverse effects for the animals. The procedure showed a steep learning curve represented by the reduction of the distance between the actual and planned needle positioning (7.2 mm to 3.7 mm; median value) and shorter surgery times (21.3 min to 15.0 min, average) with progression of the study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The described technique is feasible and repeatable under clinical conditions. This is the first percutaneous vertebroplasty technique for non-primates and we conclude that the sheep is a valid animal model to investigate the effects of cement augmentation in vivo.
authors.affiliation: Inselspital, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Bern, Switzerland.
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Benneker
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gisep
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Krebs
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boger
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Heini
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Boner
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002102:Cadaver; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012756:Sheep; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D054854:Vertebroplasty / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*