Spine update. Animal use in spinal research.

Abstract

Progress in biomedical research often has depended on the use of animals as a testing ground for both experimental and clinical hypotheses. Animal models have been widely used in all specialties of medicine and have been crucial for acquiring basic science and clinical knowledge pertaining to spinal surgery. In addition to overcoming the many ethical and societal restrictions normally encountered in human studies, the use of animal models permits certain methodologic approaches inapplicable in humans. The purpose of this article is to: 1) review the general concepts of models, 2) discuss recommendations and regulations regarding the use of animals in biomedical research, and 3) present guidelines for the selection of the most suitable model for a particular study. Animal data are only as applicable as the model from which it is derived. Thus, future animal models must be carefully chosen using rational guidelines and should overcome the deficiencies and limitations of previous models.