Reliability of the rabbit postero-lateral spinal fusion model: A meta-analysis. J Orthop Res 2013 Aug;31(8):1261-9
Date
04/23/2013Pubmed ID
23606443DOI
10.1002/jor.22359Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84879419861 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 28 CitationsAbstract
The rabbit model of spinal fusion with the autogenous iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) control is widely used to evaluate bone graft substitutes and enhancers. This study examined the reliability of this model using meta-analysis. A systematic literature search from January 1995 to May 2011 identified 56 studies, involving 733 animals. The primary outcome was fusion success calculated as logit event rate. Study design, surgical technique, rabbit characteristics (gender, species, age, weight), and institution were analyzed. Overall fusion success was 52.4%. Important positive variables were time-point >4 weeks, ICBG dose >1 cm(3) , initial weight of animals ≥3 kg, level at L4-5 or L5-6, and age ≥6 months. Inter- and intra-institutional reliability was excellent. The rabbit model ICBG control group is reliable, although several factors can affect results. Fusion under normal handling occurs reliably in 5 weeks. The volume of bone graft should be >1 cm(3) but no benefits are present with >2 cm(3) . The animals should weigh a minimum of 3 kg and be at least 6 months old.
Author List
Riordan AM, Rangarajan R, Balts JW, Hsu WK, Anderson PAAuthor
Rajesh Rangarajan MD Instructor in the Orthopaedic Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Age FactorsAnimals
Bone Regeneration
Bone Transplantation
Disease Models, Animal
Female
Ilium
Lumbar Vertebrae
Male
Osseointegration
Rabbits
Reproducibility of Results
Spinal Fusion
Transplantation, Autologous
Treatment Outcome
