Modeling of fusion in animals (review)

Abstract

A review based on an analysis of scientific literature and includes sections: «Animals as an experimental model for spinal fusion», «Spinal fusion with using bone grafts», «Formation of spinal fusion taking in consideration of biological processes», «Experimental assessment of different types of spinal fusion after using rigid stabilization», «Dynamic fixation» and «New generation of spinal cages based on bioabsorbing polymers». It is shown that among small animals mice with similar to human been metabolic rate may be used for spinal fusion on the lumbar spine. Reconstitution of anterior and posterior spinal fusion is possible not only in the lumbar spine but in the tail one in small animals. Impact of rigid fixation on functional spinal units they study on rabbits and sheep. For testing of spinal implants that they use in humans the most suit­able for the anatomical parameters of the vertebral bodies is calf. Prediction of fusion results based on biological processes including molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of bone healing. The role of growth factors in the formation of fusion was assessed. Analyzing rigid and dynamic stabilization one should consider the state of the adjacent functional spinal units. Attention of many researchers focused on dynamic stabilization of the spine which provides the possibility of physiological mobility. It increasingly studied experimentally including on large animals. Application of bioabsorbable materials (polilaktyde and polyglycolide) for interbody fusion is a promising trend that requires in-depth study. Models of fusion reproducing on animals maximally simple and reliable allow to study implants with different properties for assess­ment of the feasibility of their using for spinal fusion in humans.