Development of a Rat Femoral Fracture Model for Preclinical Investigation of Magnesium-based Orthopedic Implant Materials
Background: Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys exhibit excellent biomechanical properties and osteogenic potential, being considered as promising biomaterials for the treatment of bone fractures. The objective of this project was to establish a rat fracture model for future preclinical evaluation of novel Mg-based implant materials.
Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent general anesthesia and induction of femoral shaft fractures via osteotomy. In the experimental Mg group, a Mg pin was implanted in the medullary cavity, followed by fracture reduction and external fixation. In the control group, only fracture reduction and external fixation were performed without Mg implantation. The general status and surgical limbs were monitored for 12 weeks. Bone healing and implant degradation were evaluated by micro-CT, and bone samples were collected for histology.
Results: No serious complications observed during follow-up. At postoperative week 12, all rats in the Mg group achieved bone union, while nonunion cases were observed in the control group. Quantitative analysis showed lower bone volume and bone mineral content in the Mg group, suggesting potential bone-inhibition associated with long-term retention. Histological analysis showed higher percentage of soft tissue areas including cartilaginous callus in the control group, suggesting an accelerated onset of bone remodeling phase in the presence of Mg implants.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of this fracture model for evaluation of Mg implant materials. In addition to the confirmation of beneficial treatment effects from Mg, the imaging analysis also revealed potential bone inhibition associated with long-term retention of Mg implants. Future studies using this model could contribute to a deeper understanding of the biological mechanism and the development of novel Mg-based materials for musculoskeletal disorders.
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