A new critical segmentar radial bone defect model in rabbits

The loss of large bone segments remains one of the most challenging problems in orthopedic surgery and considerable research continues with different results being reported. We proposed an experimental model of critical bone segmental defect. Thirteen New Zealand rabbits were used. The animals were divided into 2 groups composed of 06 animals each and a 7 mm ostectomy was performed in the radial bone of each animal. In Group A the bone defect was kept without any filling. In Group B the bone defect was filled by allogenous cortical bone graft. The remaining animal was used for grafts` acquisition. Stabilization with plates and screws was done in animals of Group B. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed in the postoperative period at five specific moments. All animals in Group B showed bone union through radiographic studies, while all animals in Group A showed bone neoformation within the bone gap, but none of them showed bone union at 120 days after surgery. The segmental bone defects were easy to make, with quick surgical time, without complications, and due to the non-union observed during the bone healing process in Group A, we can state that the ostectomy length used in this study can be considered as a critical bone segmental defect and be used as experimental model for this specie.