C C Cain1, R D Fraser. 1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Trauma, Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia.
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN: This study analyzed the vascular and skeletal anatomy of the sheep cervical spine. It discusses the comparative anatomy of the cervical spine of sheep and humans. OBJECTIVES: To establish the suitability of the sheep model for studying the pathophysiology of traumatic and degenerative conditions of the cervical spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Many studies have attempted to evaluate the pathophysiology of spinal cord trauma, hypoxia, and variations in the local environment of the spinal cord using a variety of animal models. Few of the studies identified in an extensive literature review report or comment on the validity of these models regarding anatomy. METHODS: Techniques of macro- and micro-dissection and vascular casting with latex and methylmethacrylate were employed and the anatomy of sheep was compared with that of humans. RESULTS: On an anatomical basis, we found the sheep to be a suitable model for studying the pathophysiology of spinal cord trauma and disorders relative to humans. CONCLUSIONS: To properly assess the effect of various pathological processes on the spinal cord, an anatomically valid model is required. This study established that the sheep is a suitable animal model for studies of this type.
STUDY DESIGN: This study analyzed the vascular and skeletal anatomy of the sheep cervical spine. It discusses the comparative anatomy of the cervical spine of sheep and humans. OBJECTIVES: To establish the suitability of the sheep model for studying the pathophysiology of traumatic and degenerative conditions of the cervical spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Many studies have attempted to evaluate the pathophysiology of spinal cord trauma, hypoxia, and variations in the local environment of the spinal cord using a variety of animal models. Few of the studies identified in an extensive literature review report or comment on the validity of these models regarding anatomy. METHODS: Techniques of macro- and micro-dissection and vascular casting with latex and methylmethacrylate were employed and the anatomy of sheep was compared with that of humans. RESULTS: On an anatomical basis, we found the sheep to be a suitable model for studying the pathophysiology of spinal cord trauma and disorders relative to humans. CONCLUSIONS: To properly assess the effect of various pathological processes on the spinal cord, an anatomically valid model is required. This study established that the sheep is a suitable animal model for studies of this type.
Authors: Caroline M F Meers; Gino B M Verleye; Dirk Smeets; Hadewych Y R Van Hauwermeiren; Dirk Loeckx; Karel Willems; Vincent G M G G B Siau; Philippe J M E Lauweryns Journal: Int J Spine Surg Date: 2015-07-17