Preclinical animal models in trauma research.

Preclinical modeling of human disease with animals has not been standardized for many common pathologic processes. Assorted animal models are being used to investigate the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of disease processes. Certainly it is difficult to interpret the current literature because there are diverse and often irrelevant models being implemented. Some models are used for reasons of size or ease rather than the true modeling of a physiological process. Application to granting agencies and design of animal studies is difficult without standardization of the ideal preclinical model for disease states. The current article addresses the preclinical animal modeling of osteoporosis, infection, bone defects, and cartilage injury. This article is a discussion of the current literature, commonly used models, and suggests preferred preclinical models for future research design.