ABSTRACT
Choosing an appropriate experimental model for the study of bone repair necessitates to clearly identify the problem to be solved in order to obtain the right answer to the right question. Animal tests constitute a step midway between in vitro studies and human clinical applications. Experimental designs allow selection of the species and standardised op erative and analysis procedures. This paper reviews the different animal models used for study ing large bone defects repair in human clinical situations. Relevance, objectivity and reproduc ibility of the models as well as genetical status of the animal, financial and ethical factors influencing the decision are discussed.
