ABSTRACT
Since the beginning of the concept of bioabsorbable materials, animal models have contributed to the success of the clinical use of the materials. Subcutaneous or intramuscular implantation is the first in vivo step of testing a bioabsorbable material for its biocompatibility and degradation. The rat is suggested as the first choice for soft tissue degradation studies because of its low cost and the rich background data available. Bioabsorbable implant degradation in bone tissues is the step after soft tissue implantation, when the material is to be used inside of or in contact with bone. Femoral transcondylar osteotomy in rabbits is a well-established model. Models of mandibular osteotomies are the most popular and well established in dogs and sheep. Although no animal models have been reported, fixation of tendon and ligament to bone by an absorbable interference screw and a mini tack in human patients have been established recently. Animals should be inspected daily for evidence of foreign-body reactions (sterile sepsis).
