Non-Osteotomy and Osteotomy Large Animal Fracture Models in Orthopedic Trauma Research

Abstract

Large animal fracture models are important in the field of orthopedic trauma research. New implants are tested in animals before being implanted into humans. Large animals like sheep or swine often are more properly to simulate conditions in humans, e.g. biomechanical demands, compared to rodents. Cited articles mainly analyze shock or fracture healing. Both osteotomy and non-osteotomy fracture models have been used in the past. However, comparative studies are rare and clear recommendation when to use which model are missing. This review will summarize large animal fracture models putting special emphasis on non-osteotomy fracture models.

Introduction

Fractures of weight-bearing bones are important in the field of orthopedic trauma surgery, and many operative techniques are available. The aim of current studies is to accelerate fracture consolidation for faster rehabilitation and to minimize complications, such as deep venous thrombosis.

Prior to testing new implants in humans in vivo, they must pass through an experimental phase consisting of biomechanical analysis, cadaveric bones, and in vivo testing in rodents and/or large animals. However, this phase varies according to the institution, experiment, and assumed experimental result, as well as the local ethical review committee.

Experiments with large animals can be suggestive and are necessary because biomechanical conformability with humans is better compared to small rodents. For example, the bone metabolism and postoperative behavior with a propensity for immediate weight-bearing in sheep is more in accordance with humans than the conditions in rodents.^1-3 In addition, the bones of large animals are often more suitable for instrumentation with nails, plates, or external fixators, and mechanical testing is easier compared to rodents. Furthermore, the weight of large animals is more similar to humans than rodents, which is a big advantage when testing new implants and biomechanical stability. Therefore, validity is often much better and the results can better be interpreted in large animals compared to rodents with regard to implantation into humans. However, data as to the transfer from data of animal fractures to humans are limited and comparative studies are missing, especially as to the bone biology of different animals compared to humans.

Numerous fracture models exist for rodents, such as mice or rats.⁴ For large animals, fracture models mainly include osteotomy models and real fracture models for the analysis of primary fractures, as well as defect models and bone segment transport models to study how bone heals in the presence of a defect under various treatment options (e.g., to simulate the treatment of non-union).^5,6 To the best of our knowledge, no summary article yet reveals the known weight-bearing large animal fracture models, including sheep, dog, and swine. This review outlines the published options in this field of orthopedic trauma research.

Animal experiments: annotation

Authors support the 3R concept introduced by William M.S. Russel and Rex L. Burch in 1959.⁷ The concept involves reduction of the total number of laboratory animals, refinement to reduce suffering, and replacement to explore new research approaches that minimize distress. Alternatives to animal experiments should be used whenever possible.

Search strategy and exclusion criteria

We searched PubMed Medline for articles describing large animal fracture models. Different query syntaxes were used to ensure that no large animal fracture or osteotomy model was missed: [sheep and osteosynthesis], [sheep and fracture and model], [sheep fracture model], [dog and fracture and model], [pig and fracture and model], [horse and fracture and model], [cow and fracture and model], [porcine and fracture and model], [swine and fracture and model], [equine and fracture and model], [bovine and fracture and model] and [large animal and fracture and model]. We also screened the reference lists of selected articles and articles provided by the Related Citations function in PubMed Medline.

No restriction was made for language, journal of publication, or the time of publication. All resulting articles not referring to any mature large animal fracture model or osseous fracture model (e.g., dental crown fractures) were excluded, followed by papers describing fracture models in non-weight-bearing bones, such as the mandible. Moreover all papers not providing detailed information, e.g. a description of the operative technique, were excluded.

Appropriate large animals for fracture models

The decision regarding which large animal best creates a fracture model does not depend only on similarity to humans, but also on ethical aspects, effort, and cost. Strict guidelines are still missing. To the best of our knowledge, no study has compared different large animal fracture models to investigate which large animal is most suitable with respect to the transferability of results to humans. Most researchers seem to prefer sheep and swine, but for the most part precise substantiations are missing. Because different fracture models are described in the journal articles, we also searched for a comparison of the different methods for creating a fracture to simulate fracture healing, roughly osteotomy vs. bending or shooting techniques, as little is known about whether extrapolating from osteotomy models to the live fracture healing process is appropriate. Dumont et al. compared monocortical osteotomy combined with a manual fracture of the opposite corticalis to a random fracture. Bone healing after saw osteotomy is comparable to the healing of normal fractures, but vascular density, fragment resorption, fragment remodeling, and callus remodeling are reduced at the osteotomy site.⁸ Moreover it has to be considered, that specific characteristics of bone differ between animals and humans. Sheep bone provides similar macrostructure, however microstructure differs from humans, the same applies for pigs. In contrast, dogs bone seems to be more similar with human bone.⁹

No study was found to analyze these aspects in large animals. However, Park et al. compared the healing process in an open osteotomy model and closed fracture model using rabbit tibiae fixed with four-pin double-bar external fixators. Fracture healing was retarded in the osteotomy group. Striking differences were found in hematoma formation, periosteal damage, muscle laceration, and callus formation, finally leading to different biomechanical characteristics of the new built bone.¹⁰ Based on this previous work, we focused on non-osteotomy fracture models as the results seem to be better compared to human fracture healing.

Fracture models

Although many researchers are familiar with small animal models, for different reasons the experiments with large animal fractures are done by only a minority of investigators. We wanted to provide a detailed description of operative techniques used to create large animal fracture models. Here, test experiments are described in the detail provided by the cited authors. We distinguish between fracture and osteotomy models for the simulation of fracture healing as comparability is still doubtful, though Dumont et al. stated that results from osteotomy fracture models can be compared to random fractures.⁸

Three different animals were used in 20 publications describing non-osteotomy large animal fracture models: dogs (n=1), sheep (n=10), and swine (n=9) (Table 1).^11-30 The objectives of the experiments were different, and not all authors focused on fracture healing. The following aspects were analyzed in the studies: the use of blood products and transfusion during the treatment of trauma, shock, and resuscitation, trauma-associated coagulation and blood flow, fracture healing in general, compartment syndrome, shock, and the development of a new model for combatrelated injury.

Table 1.

Non-osteotomy fracture models.

Author [Ref.]	Year	N. animals	Weight of animals (kg)	Medication for anesthesia	Fractured bone	Fixing technique	Medication for euthanization
Dog
Moed et al. [11]	1991	20	34.02	General anesthesia	Tibia	Nailing	*
Sheep
Baumgaertel et al. [16]	1998	36	*	*	Femur	Plating	*
Gray et al. [19]	2009	24	45.75	Etomidate, midazolam, halothane	Femur	External fixation/nailing	Pentobarbital
Klein et al. [20]	2010	16	*	*	Tibia	Nailing	*
Kregor et al. [17]	1995	18	30-40	Thiamylal sodium, halothane	Tibia	Plating	Pentobarbital
Schemitsch et al. [13]	1994	11	33-40	Thiamylal sodium, halothane	Tibia	Nailing	Potassium chloride, pentobarbital sodium
Schemitsch et al. [14]	1995	10	33-38	Thiamylal sodium, halothane	Tibia	Nailing	Potassium chloride, pentobarbital sodium
Schemitsch et al. [15]	1996	10	33-40	Thiamylal sodium, halothane	Tibia	Nailing	Potassium chloride, pentobarbital sodium
Schemitsch et al. [12]	1998	10	33-40	Thiamylal sodium, halothane	Tibia	Nailing	Potassium chloride, pentobarbital sodium
White et al. [18]	2006	21	35-50	Etomidate, midazolam, halothane	Femur/tibia	Nailing	Pentobarbital
Högel et al. [30]	2011	24	65-70	Isoflurane	Tibia	Nailing	*
Swine
Alam et al. [28]	2009	21	36.29-54.43	Telazol, atropine, isoflurane	Femur	*	Sodium pentobarbital
Alam et al. [29]	2009	60	35-45	Telazol, atropine, isoflurane	Femur	*	Sodium pentobarbital
Cho et al. [26]	2009	37	38.6-40.8	Telazol, atropine, isoflurane	Femur	*	*
Patel et al. [24]	2007	20	30-35	Ketamine, xylazine, fentanyl	Femur	*	*
Shuja et al. [23]	2008	24	36.29-54.43	Telazol, atropine, isoflurane	Femur	*	Sodium pentobarbital
Shuja et al. [22]	2011	14	36.29-54.43	Telazol, atropine, isoflurane	Femur	*	Sodium pentobarbital
Spoerke et al. [25]	2009	32	*	Telazol, atropine, isoflurane	Femur	*	*
Swiontkowski et al. [27]	1993	10	50-70	Azaperon, atropine sulfate, ketamine, halothane	Femoral neck	Kirschner wire/screw	Barbiturate
White et al . [20]	2010	26	40-50	Ketamine, xylazine, sodium pentathol, alphachloralose,	Femur	*	Potassium chloride

*No information provided or obtained during the study.

Operative technique

Basically, two non-osteotomy large animal fracture models are described in the literature, roughly bending vs. shooting techniques. The described details vary widely.

Dogs

Moed and Strom present a technique for creating a canine spiral tibia fracture model. First, the intramedullary canal was opened using an awl, followed by the insertion of a drill in the oblique position to perforate the cortex of the tibia shaft at a predetermined breaking point. Next, a manual torsional force was applied to complete the fracture through the intramedullary stress riser, and reamed intramedullary nailing was performed.¹¹ The process was achieved as published by Hansen et al.³¹ Moed and Strom used a 9-mm cloverleaf-shaped open segment nail. The complete process was documented by X-rays. Intra-operatively, alignment was assured manually. In dogs, this study was the only investigation describing a weight-bearing fracture model.

Sheep

In contrast, nine studies have been published on sheep. Schemitsch et al. presented a fracture model in sheep tibiae. For optimal access during the procedure, the sheep were in the supine position. The scrub and cover were similar to that used in humans. An anteromedial incision in the lower leg down to the distal tibial metaphysis was made starting medial to the patellar tendon and proximal to the tibial tubercle, followed by deep dissection. For optimal exposure of the tibial cortical surface when creating the fracture, Schemitsch et al. performed a longitudinal incision in the periosteum on top of the medial diaphysis cortex of the tibia, and split the fascia medial to the patellar tendon (30 mm) for exposition of the cortex proximal to the tibial tubercle. Finally, the periosteum was elevated and shifted sidewards, anteriorly, and posteriorly. The circumference of the midtibial diaphysis was exposed subperiosteally. A 1-mm-deep predetermined breaking point was created in the exact middle of the tibia in a 45° angle at the medial cortical surface using an oscillating saw. The leg was fixed in external rotation and a fracture apparatus (Tepic and Predieri, Laboratory for Experimental Surgery, Davos, Switzerland) placed in position subperiosteally. The apparatus was released to create a short, reproducible spiral fracture (Figure 1A). The underlying process was three-point bending with torsional force. The complete detachment of the fragments (including the endosteum) was controlled, and accomplished using forceps if necessary. For osteosynthesis, fractures were reduced and fixed by intramedullary reamed and unreamed nailing using an AO tibial rod. For the procedure, the knee was flexed and the patellar tendon retracted laterally to create a portal to the medullary canal using an awl. Interlocking was performed both proximally and distally. At the end of the procedure, the wound was irrigated and then closed in layers, including the periosteum.^12-15 Klein et al. also presented a tibia fracture model in sheep. Animals were positioned in the supine position for the procedure. After scrubbing and shaving, a longitudinal skin incision was made. The tibia was prepared without damage to the periosteum and a predetermined breaking point created 11 cm proximal to the medial malleolus one-third the thickness of the tibial diameter using a saw with liquid cooling. The fracture was created using four-point bending. Hand-drills were used to access the medullary cavity. Intramedullary nailing using a static interlocking nail was performed after optional reaming. Two interlocking screws were inserted. The procedure efficiency was evaluated by X-rays.²⁰ The same operative technique was used by Högel et al. who also studied intramedullary nailing.³⁰

Figure 1.

A) Fracture apparatus by Tepic and Predieri. The bone was broken using 3-point-bending. B) Pneumative fracture device. The bone/leg was fixed and the trigger used to initiate the impact head impinging on the leg/bone.

Kregor et al. also described a tibia fracture model in sheep. A medial incision (12 cm) exposed the periosteum medially. Dissection was performed using sharp devices and electrocautery for hemostasis. The periosteum was incised longitudinally in the midline of the medial tibia. At the ends, transverse incisions were made in the periosteum before circumferential elevation and mounting the three-point bending fracture apparatus (Tepic and Predieri, Laboratory for Experimental Surgery, Davos, Switzerland). A reproducible spiral oblique tibial fracture was created after generating a breakage similar to that of Schemitsch et al., but deeper (2 mm vs. 1 mm), in the medial part of the tibia. After creating the fracture, it was reduced and medial plating performed after insertion of an interfragmentary lag screw. Finally, the wound was closed in layers.¹⁷

In contrast to the previously cited authors, Gray et al. reported a model for creating femoral shaft fractures. After stabilization of the femora according to White et al. a 4-cm longitudinal skin incision was made distally from the level of the greater trochanter^.18,19 The proximal femur was exposed and a femoral stabilizing subtrochanteric cable fixed. Gray et al. chose a muscle-splitting approach. Distal femora were fixed with a knee clamp and correct positioning of the sheep, implying minimal potential movement, was assured. A pneumatic fracture device (Norgren Limited, Staffordshire, United Kingdom) was used to create shaft fractures with additional overlying soft-tissue trauma (Figure 1B). A pressure of 1.1 MPa was used to generate a force of 8600 N. Gray et al. stabilized the fractures by either external fixation or intramedullary nailing. The external fixator was fixed via two pins proximal and distal to the fracture and connected unilaterally. For intramedullary nailing, a 3 to 4-cm anterior midline incision was made above the knee, and access to the medullary canal was obtained through a medial parapatellar approach. After reaming, nails were inserted in a retrograde manner. The fracture model reported by Gray et al. was described first by White at al., but in less detail. In addition to the procedure reported by Gray et al., White et al. also created tibial fractures using the same technique. For osteosynthesis, both performed an arthrotomy of the knee, reamed the tibia, and inserted an intramedullary nail. Femoral fractures were fixed by external fixation.^18,19 Baumgaertel et al. developed a fracture model for a reproducible subtrochanteric femoral fracture. Osteosynthesis was done by plating, with or without prior reduction.¹⁶

Swine

Shuja et al. described a femoral fracture model. After localization of the mid-shaft of the femur, a cruciate incision was made and a captive bold gun (Model RS22, Ramset-Powder Fastening System, Glendale Heights, IL, USA) applied. Triggering resulted in a mid-shaft multi-fragment femoral fracture and soft tissue injury. The femur fracture was confirmed manually by palpation. No osteosynthesis was performed.^22-23 A similar technique was used by Cho et al., with the use of another captive bolt gun (Schermer Stunner Model MKL, Karl Schermer and Co, Karlsruhe, Germany).²⁶ Alam et al. also generated a femur shaft fracture using the technique of Cho et al. and Shuja et al. with no modifications mentioned.^28,29 White et al. and Patel et al. also reported the same technique.^21,24 Spoerke et al. also directly referred to Cho et al.²⁵

These fracture models in swine were all created using a captive bolt gun to create femoral shaft fractures. Swiontkowski et al. described a technique to simulate a femoral neck fracture. After scrubbing, the authors performed an anterolateral approach to the hip joint and proximal femur. The femoral head was distracted from the acetabulum 2 to 3 mm using a distractor spanned between two pins, one in the ilium and one in the midshaft of the femur. The fracture was created by grooving the superior, posterior, and anterior neck in the middle of the femoral neck using an oscillating saw. Next, an osteotome was used for completion. Fixation of the fracture was achieved using 2.0-mm Kirschner wires and 4.0-mm cancellus screws. Previous distraction allowed the surgeon to ensure that the screws or wires were not perforating the femoral head into the hip joint. This technique of creating a fracture could also be assigned to osteotomy models, but in this review we allocate it to fracture models.²⁷

Recovery protocol after operation

Recovery protocols are dependent on the study type and previous operations. Consequently, they cannot be copied without appropriate preservation. Many of the cited studies euthanized the animals directly after the procedure or did not provide details as to the recovery protocol.

Sheep

Schemitsch et al. wrapped the operated legs of the sheep in a tensor bandage pressure dressing for 3 days. As already described, an antibiotic prophylaxis was given. For analgesia, animals received i.m. oxymorphone twice daily for 3 days postoperatively. No restrictions were made regarding weight-bearing and activity. Animals were held in individual cages for recovery. The authors assessed full weight-bearing from day 7 to 10.^12-15 Kregor et al. also administered an antibiotic prophylaxis, as well as 0.005 mg/kg buprenorphine hydrochloride twice daily for 48 hours. Individual cages were used for 2 days with food and water available ad libitum.¹⁷

Swine

Only Swiontkowski et al. included postoperative survival in swine. However, the details of the recovery protocol were not described. Animals started a four-pointed gait on postoperative day 3 to 4.²⁷

Euthanization

Some study protocols included the euthanization of the treated animals at the end of the procedure.

Sheep

Kregor et al., White et al., and Gray et al. used an i.v. overdose of pentobarbital sodium for euthanization. The animals in Gray et al. and White et al. were under general anesthesia when killed.^17-19 In contrast, Schemitsch et al. used an i.v. overdose of potassium chloride and pentobarbital sodium while the sheep were narcotized.^12-15 Kregor et al. reported 1.3 grains/kg pentobarbital, and Gray et al. reported 60 mg/kg pentobarbital.¹⁹

Swine

Shuja et al. and Alam et al. reported the use of 100 mg/kg sodium pentobarbital under anesthesia.^22,23,28,29 In contrast, White et al. reported the use of i.v. potassium chloride under anesthesia. No additional barbiturate was used.²¹ Spoerke et al. only stated that animals were killed chemically.²⁵ Detailed information about euthanization was not provided by Patel et al. or Cho et al.^24,26

Osteotomy models

Osteotomy models are another option for simulating fractures in large animals and are always open fracture models. Most authors who create large animal fracture models appear to use osteotomies, which are standardized and can be performed similarly in each animal. Therefore, comparability is expected to be high. Extrapolation from osteotomy results to normal fractures in large animals is reasonable based on current knowledge. Dumont et al. compared monocortical osteotomies and manual fractures of the opposite corticalis with proper fractures in sheep and found slight differences, including reduced vascular density, fragment resorption, and reduced fragment and callus remodeling in the osteotomy group.⁸ Park et al. tested transferability in rodents and reported delayed healing in the open osteotomy group compared to the closed fracture group.¹⁰

Different aspects influence fracture healing and are dependent on the fracture model used. In osteotomy models, the cut surfaces are smooth and not as manifold as in real fractures. The periosteum is cut and the bone damaged by frictional heat, which affects the healing process. Irrigation during sawing minimizes the frictional heat but also flushes away the initial hematoma, which itself is very important for fracture healing.³² Though few studies describing fracture models have been published thus far, many can be found describing techniques comprising osteotomy models.

Authors prefer sheep for the simulation of fracture healing in non-osteotomy models. The variety of used long bones is larger in the literature as to osteotomy models. For example, in different large animals osteotomies have been performed in the femur, tibia, metatarsus, and radius (Table 2).^33-61

Table 2.

Animals, bones, and techniques used in osteotomy large animal fracture models.

Author [Ref.]	Year of publication	Bone	Osteotomy shape	Fixing technique	Weight of animals (kg)
Dog
An et al. [37]	1998	Femur	Transverse/oblique	Screw	~25
Gilbert et al. [38]	1989	Tibia	Transverse	External fixation	26-32
Sheep
Aguilar et al. [39]	2002	Tibia	Transverse	Nailing	40-50
Challis et al. [40]	2006	Tibia	Transverse	Kirschner wire	25.5-44
Christel et al. [41]	1984	Metatarsus	Transverse	Nailing	*
Claes et al. [42]	1999	Metatarsus	Wedge fragments	Plating, nailing, external fixation, screws	~53
Dumont et al. [8]	2008	Metatarsus	Transverse/oblique	Plating	67-98
Duwelius et al. [43]	1997	Metatarsus	Oblique	Nailing	45-60
Goebel et al. [44]	2009	Metatarsus	*	External fixation	62-84
Goodship et al. [36]	1985	Metatarsus	Transverse	External fixation	*
Hantes et al. [35]	2004	Metatarsus	Transverse	External fixation	45-55
Hill et al. [45]	2002	Metatarsus	Chevron	Nailing	55-80
Högel et al. [46]	2010	Femur	Transverse	Nailing	*
Klaue et al. [47]	1991	Femur	Oblique	Plating	50-65
Klaue et al. [48]	2000	Femur	*	Plating	48-64
Kostopoulos et al. [49]	1994	Radius	Transverse	Plating	33-38
Lu et al. [50]	2009	Radius	Transverse	Nailing, Braid system	69.7-75.3
Mayer et al. [51]	1983	Tibia	Transverse	External fixation	*
Mousavi et al. [52]	2002	Tibia	Transverse	Nailing	30-47
Plecko et al. [53]	2012	Tibia	Oblique	Plating	52-94
Schaer et al. [33]	2012	Tibia	Transverse	Plating	*
Seligson et al. [55]	1997	Tibia	*	Plating	*
Stoffel et al. [34]	2000	Tibia	Oblique	Plating	45-72
van der Elst et al. [57]	1998	Femur	Transverse	Nailing	*
Wolinsky et al. [58]	1996	Femur	*	Nailing	*
Zoltie et al. [59]	1988	Femur	Oblique	Plating	*
Swine
Hasegawa et al. [60]	2002	Tibia	Crank-shaped	Screws	22-27
Seiler et al. [61]	1996	Femoral neck	Transverse	Screws	40-60

*No information provided or obtained during the study.

The operative technique is usually similar. After skin incision and preparation down to the bone, an oscillating saw or osteotome is used to cut through the bone. Irrigation may or may not be applied for cooling. Either the complete bone is cut through, or just half of it followed by manual breakage of the opposite side.^8,33 Details about the preparation vary depending on the animal, specific bone, and operative approach. Although most authors seem to agree with using osteotomy to simulate fractures in large animals, two different techniques are found in the literature: oblique and transverse osteotomy.^33-35 Differentiation is important as the technique first has to be adjusted to the implant used. For example, an interfragmentary compression screw can better be tested in an oblique osteotomy. Moreover, differently shaped osteotomies simulate different human fracture types. This distinction is important because, for example, transverse long bone fractures (classified AO A3) exhibit less potential for fracture healing but a higher rate of non-union, presumably because the surfaces of the fragments are smaller in transverse fractures.

In large animals, osteotomies have been performed to simulate fractures in different bones and animals. Though the technique for osteotomy is always more or less similar, the method of fixation differs widely. All fixation devices known from human surgery can also be tested in large animals. A short exemplary overview of osteotomy models published thus far for the simulation of fresh fractures in large animals is given in Table 2; no segmental defect or bone transport models are included, or models with purposely created gaps greater than 3 mm. Fracture gaps with a width of 3 mm are supposed to allow micromovement, which itself has been shown to improve fracture healing. Therefore, many authors explicitly mention that they created a gap as described by Goodship and Kenwright.³⁶

Summary and conclusions

Weight-bearing large animal fracture models are of great interest in the field of orthopedic trauma research.

Published articles report two non-osteotomy options to simulate a fracture: bending techniques and shooting techniques. Though bending techniques seem to be used to test bone healing, shooting techniques have been used to simulate shock models as the combination with accompanying soft tissue injuries seems to be more realistic for simulating circumstances in multiple injury patients. Moreover, the cited studies favored sheep for analyzing fracture healing, whereas swine were used for shock research. Study execution varied greatly. However, the information on anesthesia is comparable to humans, at least with respect to the medications used. Operative techniques were performed as they are in humans. Most authors used nailing for fracture fixation in the non-osteotomy fracture models. Shock models did not include any fracture fixation. For euthanization, authors preferred an overdose of barbiturates. Little has been reported regarding the recovery protocols, which have to be adjusted to the study being performed and include sufficient analgesia, as well as antibiotic prophylaxis if appropriate.

Many authors created osteotomy models in large animals that are now standardized. Both oblique and transverse osteotomies have been performed. In contrast, less is known about non-osteotomy fracture models. Thus far only one author analyzed and confirmed the transferability of results from osteotomy and non-osteotomy large animal fracture models to real fractures.⁸ In contrast, one study examined this context in small animals; Park et al. showed that non-osteotomy fracture models are more realistic for simulating human fracture healing.¹⁰ Data about the perfect fracture model design in large animals are still missing, giving rise to prospective research. As operative techniques like intramedullary nailing or plating are often more easily performed in large animals and more comparable to humans, this aspect of research is of great interest for developing new techniques to simulate fracture healing.