Table 4 Major considerations for focal articular cartilage defect models
From: Large animal models in experimental knee sports surgery: focus on clinical translation
Factor | Comments |
|---|---|
Cartilage thickness | Generally increasing with the size of the animals. Depends on anatomic location within the joint |
Subchondral bone plate thickness | Not always reflective of the size of the animals. Minipigs, for example, have a thin subchondral bone plate, while sheep have a thick subchondral bone plate |
Age of animals | Adult animals are preferred as juvenile animals have a higher degree of spontaneous repair |
Defect size | Can be determined as area of defect and placed in relation with the condylar width |
Defect depth | Needs to be adapted to the osteochondral anatomy to reflect the desired defect type |
Defect anatomy | Circular or rectangular patterns are commonly used |
Defect location | Topographic differences within a joint exist for cartilage thickness, biochemical composition and repair potential |
Knee resting position | Differs among animals, often lack of full extension as in humans |
Gait patterns | Differs among animals, the sheep/goat/horse usually considered to best resemble be situation in humans |