An experimental model of induction of osteoarthritis in New Zealand white rabbit

Introduction: Historically, animal models for osteoarthritis have been established to facilitate the study of the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and the potential medical treatment. The anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACTL) and partial meniscal resection model in rabbits have been widely used. The aim of the study was to establish a more effective surgical approach to induce knee osteoarthritis in New Zealand White Rabbits. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (I-ACUC) ethical committee. The surgical approach of induction of osteoarthritis was done in Advanced Orthopedics Research Laboratory, International Islamic University Malaysia. Eight rabbits underwent lateral and medial meniscectomies at bilateral foreleg knees to induce osteoarthritis. The models were examined through physical and radiographic analysis. Results: Physical exams showed that all model animal daily food and water intakes were normal. Animal model knee motion in passive range showed limitation and instability. Radiographic imaging analysis showed osteoarthritic changes in all models. Moreover, no mortality was recorded during the study. The approach requires less surgery time and easier access. The analgesia was more humane and showed faster recovery. Conclusion: These outcomes suggested an effective and feasible technique of inducing knee osteoarthritis in New Zealand White rabbit models

Surgical technique for knee osteoarthritis induction in New Zealand white rabbits

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects both humans and animals. It is characterized by the progressive deterioration of the cartilage an underlying bone. Surgical techniques are often used in animal models of OA to study the disease progression. MATERIALS & METHODS: Thirty-three New Zealand White rabbits (NZWR) weighing about 2.5 kg to 3.5 kg were chosen. Both foreleg knee joints were destabilized by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Subsequently, medial and lateral partial meniscectomy and scraping both cartilage of tibial condyles was done. RESULTS: Osteoarthritis induction was successfully created in all 33 rabbits, evidenced by radiograph as early as 3 weeks. Radiographic images at 6 and 12 weeks showed consistent progression to moderate and severe osteoarthritis. Post surgical survival rate was 100%. DISCUSSIONS: NZWR are widely used in knee osteoarthritis studies because OA development in this species closely mimics the disease pathophysiology in humans. The combination of ACLT with partial meniscectomy ensures the formation of post traumatic osteoarthritis model by causing joint destabilization and inflammatory damage. As opposed to humans, rabbits have higher loading pressure in the lateral compartment of the knee joint. To imitate human knee OA which commonly involves the medial joint compartment, partial meniscectomy of the medial meniscus is important. Furthermore, as rabbit articular cartilage is known to be capable for regeneration, partial transection of both parts meniscus guarantees the formation of OA in the animal model. CONCLUSION: The surgical induction of knee osteoarthritis via ACLT combined with medial and lateral partial meniscectomy is a successful technique with a consistent result