Tamás Oláh1, Jana Christin Michaelis1, Xiaoyu Cai1, Magali Cucchiarini1, Henning Madry2. 1. Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany. 2. Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany. Electronic address: henning.madry@uks.eu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Small animal models are critical to model the complex disease mechanisms affecting a functional joint leading to articular cartilage disorders. They are advantageous for several reasons and significantly contributed to the understanding of the mechanisms of cartilage diseases among which osteoarthritis. METHODS: Literature search in Pubmed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: This narrative review summarizes the most relevant anatomical structural and functional characteristics of the knee (stifle) joints of the major small animal species, including mice, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits compared with humans. Specific characteristics of each species, including kinematical gait parameters are provided and compared with the human situation. When placed in a proper context respecting their challenges and limitations, small animal models are important and appropriate models for articular cartilage disorders.
BACKGROUND: Small animal models are critical to model the complex disease mechanisms affecting a functional joint leading to articular cartilage disorders. They are advantageous for several reasons and significantly contributed to the understanding of the mechanisms of cartilage diseases among which osteoarthritis. METHODS: Literature search in Pubmed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: This narrative review summarizes the most relevant anatomical structural and functional characteristics of the knee (stifle) joints of the major small animal species, including mice, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits compared with humans. Specific characteristics of each species, including kinematical gait parameters are provided and compared with the human situation. When placed in a proper context respecting their challenges and limitations, small animal models are important and appropriate models for articular cartilage disorders.
Authors: Meggin Q Costa; Martha M Murray; Jakob T Sieker; Naga Padmini Karamchedu; Benedikt L Proffen; Braden C Fleming Journal: PLoS One Date: 2021-08-26 Impact factor: 3.240