Testing Biomaterials in Sheep for Bone Replacement
Author Information
Author(s): Katja Nuss, Joerg Auer, Alois Boos, Brigitte von Rechenberg
Primary Institution: Vetsuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland
Hypothesis
Can a sheep model effectively test the biocompatibility of various biomaterials for bone replacement?
Conclusion
The sheep model is an excellent basis for testing the biocompatibility of novel biomaterials used for bone replacement.
Supporting Evidence
- The model allows testing of up to 8 different materials in one animal.
- Routine evaluation through histomorphometry is easily conducted.
- Complications such as spontaneous fractures were not encountered when drill holes were correctly placed.
Takeaway
Researchers used sheep to test new materials that can replace bone, and found that this method works well without causing harm to the animals.
Methodology
The study involved creating drill holes in the bones of sheep to test various biomaterials for their compatibility and effectiveness.
Limitations
Some drill holes were not placed correctly, leading to complications in a few animals.
Participant Demographics
70 healthy ewes, White Swiss Alpine Sheep, aged 2 to 5 years, weighing 53 to 80 kg.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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