title: Experimental Design and Surgical Approach to Create a Spinal Fusion Model in a New Zealand White Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).
abstract: There are several animal models routinely used for study of the spinal fusion process and animal selection largely depends on the scientific question to be answered. This review outlines the advantages and disadvantages of various animal models used to study spinal fusion and describes the New Zealand White (NSW) rabbit which is the most popular preclinical model to study spinal fusion. We outline critical steps required in planning and performing spinal fusion surgery in this model. This includes determination of the required animal number to obtain statistical significance, an outline of appropriate technique for posterolateral fusion and other components of completing a study. As advances in drug delivery move forward and our understanding of the cascade of gene expression occurring during the fusion process grows, performing and interpreting preclinical animal models will be vital to validating new therapies to enhance spinal fusion.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Orthopaedics , Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center , Columbus , Ohio , USA.
authors.forename: Sohrab S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Virk
authors.affiliation: b Office of Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University , Columbus , Ohio , USA.
authors.forename: Dondrae
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Coble
authors.affiliation: a Department of Orthopaedics , Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center , Columbus , Ohio , USA.|c Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University , Columbus , Ohio , USA.
authors.forename: Alicia L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Bertone
authors.affiliation: c Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University , Columbus , Ohio , USA.
authors.forename: Hayam Hamaz
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Hussein
authors.affiliation: a Department of Orthopaedics , Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center , Columbus , Ohio , USA.
authors.forename: Safdar N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Khan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D023421:Models, Animal; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011817:Rabbits; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods*
keywords: New Zealand White Rabbit; animal model; spinal fusion