ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews animal models related to two areas of orthopaedics: bone ingrowth and joint replacement. Bone ingrowth has been most thoroughly examined in canine models, although other species have been used. Interestingly, a study designed to investigate the effect of ovarian function showed comparable results in canine and primate models. There are many factors which can affect bone ingrowth such as bone grafts and bone graft substitutes, implant surface treatments, electrical stimulation, growth factors and adjuvant treatments for conditions such as heterotopic ossification, cancer and immune-mediated diseases. As with the studies of bone ingrowth, the most common animal model of joint replacement is the canine. One of the early studies used a knee model to characterize the mechanical properties of fibrous tissue at the bone-cement-bone interface. Knee models have been used to investigate the role of implant design on bone ingrowth and mechanical stability and wear of articular cartilage.
