Generating a Rabbit Calvarial Defect Model: A Surgical Procedure to Create Round Defects in the Top Portion of the Rabbit Skull to Assess Bone Substitute Materials for Bone Regeneration Capacities
Transcrição
Bone substitutes comprise biocompatible materials implanted into bone defect sites to aid bone regeneration. The bone regenerative capabilities of bone substitutes can be assessed using calvarial defect models.
To generate a calvarial defect rabbit model, prepare an anesthetized rabbit in the prone position on a heating pad with a fixed probe to regulate its body temperature. Shave the scalp and sterilize the surgical site.
Incise along the sagittal line on the top portion of the skull. Incise the periosteum – a dense connective tissue layer – and elevate it to reveal the skull. Identify the sutures on the skull that outline the parietal and frontal bones. Place and secure customized biocompatible cylinders flat on each of the quadrants containing the bones bordered by the sutures, ensuring an airtight seal.
With saline irrigation, carefully drill intramedullary holes into the skull extending into the bone marrow cavity, within the region confined by the cylinders. Successful bleeding confirms penetration of the bone marrow space. Fill the cylinders fully with the test substitute material and close them. Close the surgical incision and allow the rabbit to recover.
The contact of the bone substitute in the defect site with the bone marrow can facilitate bone regeneration in the area. The established model can help evaluate the bone regenerative ability of bone substitutes.
