Validated small and large animal models are available to study spinal fusion at the cervical, thoracic and lumbar levels using anterior or posterior approaches.
CT scan view of dog PLF model 4 weeks post-surgery (green: bone volume calculation)
Species:
● Rabbit
● Rat
● Dog
● Goat and sheep
● Pig
● Primate
View of dog PLF model 12 weeks post-surgery (left: Micro CT, right: Faxitron)
Types of ModelsProcedures are usually performed on one level but multilevel fusions are also possible: