Name: a minimally invasive model to analyze endochondral fracture healing in mice under standardized biomechanical conditions
Uploaded: 2018-03-22T15:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Minimally Invasive Model to Analyze Endochondral Fracture Healing in Mice Under Standardized Biomechanical Conditions at JoVE.com

This work was supported by RISystem AG, Davos, Switzerland.

All procedures were performed according to the National Institutes of Health guidelines for the use of experimental animals and followed institutional guidelines (Landesamt f&#252;r Verbraucherschutz, Zentralstelle Amtstier&#228;rztlicher Dienst, Saarbr&#252;cken, Germany).
1. Preparation of Surgical Instruments and Implants
<ol>
	<li>Select a scalpel blade (size 15), a small swab, fine forceps, a 27 G needle, a non-resorbable 5-0 suture, scissors and a needle holder from the microsurgical i...

<ol>
	<li>Jacenko, O., Olsen, B. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transgenic+mouse+models+in+studies+of+skeletal+disorders.">Transgenic mouse models in studies of skeletal disorders.</a> J Rheumatol Suppl. 43, 39-41 (1995).</li><li>Histing, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Small+animal+bone+healing+models:+standards,+tips,+and+pitfalls+results+of+a+consensus+meeting.">Small animal bone healing models: standards, tips, and pitfalls results of a consensus meeting.</a> Bone. 49 (4), 591-599 (2011).</li><li>Bonnarens, F., Einhorn, T. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Production+of+a+standard+closed+fracture+in+laboratory+animal+bone.">Production of a standard closed fracture in laboratory animal bone.</a> J Orthop Res. 2 (1), 97-101 (1984).</li><li>Holstein, J. H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+a+stable+closed+femoral+fracture+model+in+mice.">Development of a stable closed femoral fracture model in mice.</a> J Surg Res. 153 (1), 71-75 (2009).</li><li>Histing, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ex+vivo+analysis+of+rotational+stiffness+of+different+osteosynthesis+techniques+in+mouse+femur+fracture.">Ex vivo analysis of rotational stiffness of different osteosynthesis techniques in mouse femur fracture.</a> J Orthop Res. 27 (9), 1152-1156 (2009).</li><li>Claes, L., Augat, P., Suger, G., Wilke, H. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Influence+of+size+and+stability+of+the+osteotomy+gap+on+the+success+of+fracture+healing.">Influence of size and stability of the osteotomy gap on the success of fracture healing.</a> J Orthop Res. 15 (4), 577-584 (1997).</li><li>Histing, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+the+healing+process+in+non-stabilized+and+stabilized+femur+fractures+in+mice.">Characterization of the healing process in non-stabilized and stabilized femur fractures in mice.</a> Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 136 (2), 203-211 (2016).</li><li>Thompson, Z., Miclau, T., Hu, D., Helms, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+model+for+intramembranous+ossification+during+fracture+healing.">A model for intramembranous ossification during fracture healing.</a> J Orthop Res. 20 (5), 1091-1098 (2002).</li><li>Cheung, K. M., Kaluarachi, K., Andrew, G., Lu, W., Chan, D., Cheah, K. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+externally+fixed+femoral+fracture+model+for+mice.">An externally fixed femoral fracture model for mice.</a> J Orthop Res. 21 (4), 685-690 (2003).</li><li>Garcia, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+new+technique+for+internal+fixation+of+femoral+fractures+in+mice:+impact+of+stability+on+fracture+healing.">A new technique for internal fixation of femoral fractures in mice: impact of stability on fracture healing.</a> J Biomech. 41 (8), 1689-1696 (2008).</li><li>Histing, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+internal+locking+plate+to+study+intramembranous+bone+healing+in+a+mouse+femur+fracture+model.">An internal locking plate to study intramembranous bone healing in a mouse femur fracture model.</a> J Orthop Res. 28 (3), 397-402 (2010).</li><li>Garcia, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+LockingMouseNail-a+new+implant+for+standardized+stable+osteosynthesis+in+mice.">The LockingMouseNail-a new implant for standardized stable osteosynthesis in mice.</a> J Surg Res. 169 (2), 220-226 (2011).</li><li>Histing, T., Klein, M., Stieger, A., Stenger, D., Steck, R., Matthys, R., Holstein, J. H., Garcia, P., Pohlemann, T., Menger, M. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+new+model+to+analyze+metaphyseal+bone+healing+in+mice.">A new model to analyze metaphyseal bone healing in mice.</a> J Surg Res. 178 (2), 715-721 (2012).</li><li>Histing, T., Menger, M. D., Pohlemann, T., Matthys, R., Fritz, T., Garcia, P., Klein, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+Intramedullary+Locking+Nail+for+Standardized+Fixation+of+Femur+Osteotomies+to+Analyze+Normal+and+Defective+Bone+Healing+in+Mice.">An Intramedullary Locking Nail for Standardized Fixation of Femur Osteotomies to Analyze Normal and Defective Bone Healing in Mice.</a> J Vis Exp. (117), (2016).</li><li>Hiltunen, A., Vuorio, E., Aro, H. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+standardized+experimental+fracture+in+the+mouse+tibia.">A standardized experimental fracture in the mouse tibia.</a> J Orthop Res. 11 (2), 305-312 (1993).</li><li>Manigrasso, M. B., O'Connor, J. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+a+closed+femur+fracture+model+in+mice.">Characterization of a closed femur fracture model in mice.</a> J Orthop Trauma. 18 (10), 687-695 (2004).</li><li>Holstein, J. H., Menger, M. D., Culemann, U., Meier, C., Pohlemann, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+a+locking+femur+nail+for+mice.">Development of a locking femur nail for mice.</a> J Biomech. 40 (1), 215-219 (2007).</li><li>Claes, L. E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effects+of+mechanical+factors+on+the+fracture+healing+process.">Effects of mechanical factors on the fracture healing process.</a> Clin Orthop Relat Res. 355 Suppl, S132-S147 (1998).</li></ol>

Critical steps of the surgical procedure are to find the correct entry point for screw implantation in the middle of the femur condyles at the intercondylar notch as well as the optimal orientation of the needle parallel to the bone axis for reaming of the intramedullary cavity. To avoid an incorrect entry position, the surgeon should prepare the notch until an optimal view is achieved. To control the orientation during reaming, the femur of the mice should be held with the fingers in a stable position. A further critica...

Bone healing studies in mice are in great demand because of a broad spectrum of antibodies and genetically-modified animals. These facts allow to study the molecular mechanisms of bone healing1. In the past few years, different bone healing models for mice have been developed2. These models can be divided into open models, in which the bone is osteotomized using an open lateral surgical approach and in closed models, in which the bone is fractured based on the fracture model introduced by Bonnares and Einhorn3. Using this technique, a standardized transverse fracture can be produced by a 3-point bending device and intramedullary implants can be inserted through a small medial parapatellar incision in a minimally invasive technique avoiding a major soft tissue trauma.
The intramedullary screw can be applied for closed fracture stabilization in mice. The screw offers rotational and axial stability. This is achieved by fracture compression through a proximal thread and a distal head4. Further advantages of the screw are the simple surgical technique, the low grade of invasivity, the low implant weight and, most notably, a higher stability providing standardized and controlled biomechanical conditions compared to other intramedullary implants5. In fact, in the most closed fracture models, the fragments are stabilized only by simple pins, which is associated with a complete lack of rotational and axial stability and a high risk of pin and also fracture dislocation. This can markedly influence the healing process, which may result in delayed healing or non-union formation.
It is well known that the stability of the fracture fixation has a tremendous impact on the healing process6,7. A high rigid fixation results in intramembranous healing, while a less rigid fixation, which may allow micromovements in the fracture gap, results in endochondral healing. Stabilization of the fracture with the intramedullary screw shows predominantly an endochondral healing with a large amount of callus tissue, particularly after 2 weeks of fracture healing. The possibility to harvest a large amount of callus tissue enables the analysis of multiple parameters by different techniques.
Here, we report on the design and application of the intramedullary screw in mice, as well as on its advantages and disadvantages in experimental studies on normal endochondral bone healing.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Mouse Screw</td>
			<td>RISystem AG</td>
			<td>221,100</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Guide wire</td>
			<td>RISystem AG</td>
			<td>521,100</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Centering bit</td>
			<td>RISystem AG</td>
			<td>590,205</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hand drill</td>
			<td>RISystem AG</td>
			<td>390,130</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cotton-Swab (150 mm, small head)</td>
			<td>Fink Walter GmbH</td>
			<td>8822428</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Suture (5-0 Prolene)</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>8614H</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Forceps</td>
			<td>Braun Aesculap AG &#38;CoKG</td>
			<td>BD520R</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scissors</td>
			<td>Braun Aesculap AG &#38;CoKG</td>
			<td>BC100R</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Needle holder</td>
			<td>Braun Aesculap AG &#38;CoKG</td>
			<td>BM024R</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>27 G needle</td>
			<td>Braun Melsungen AG</td>
			<td>9186182</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scalpel blade size 15</td>
			<td>Braun Aesculap AG &#38;CoKG</td>
			<td>16600525</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heat radiator</td>
			<td>Sanitas</td>
			<td>605.25</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Depilatory cream</td>
			<td>Asid bonz GmbH</td>
			<td>NDXZ10</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Eye lubricant</td>
			<td>Bayer Vital GmbH</td>
			<td>2182442</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Xylazine</td>
			<td>Bayer Vital GmbH</td>
			<td>1320422</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ketamine</td>
			<td>Serumwerke Bernburg</td>
			<td>7005294</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tramadol</td>
			<td>Gr&#252;nenthal GmbH</td>
			<td>2256241</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Disinfection solution (SoftaseptN)</td>
			<td>Braun Melsungen AG</td>
			<td>8505018</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CD-1 mice</td>
			<td>Charles River</td>
			<td>22</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>X-ray Device</td>
			<td>Faxitron MX-20, Faxitron X-ray Corporation</td>
			<td>2321A0988</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fracture device small</td>
			<td>RISystem AG</td>
			<td>891,100</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

a minimally invasive model to analyze endochondral fracture healing in mice under standardized biomechanical conditions

Bone healing models are necessary to analyze the complex mechanisms of fracture healing to improve clinical fracture treatment. During the last decade, an increased use of mouse models in orthopedic research was noted, most probably because mouse models offer a large number of genetically-modified strains and special antibodies for the analysis of molecular mechanisms of fracture healing. To control the biomechanical conditions, well-characterized osteosynthesis techniques are mandatory, also in mice. Here, we report on the design and use of a closed bone healing model to stabilize femur fractures in mice. The intramedullary screw, made of medical-grade stainless steel, provides through fracture compression an axial and rotational stability compared to the mostly used simple intramedullary pins, which show a complete lack of axial and rotational stability. The stability achieved by the intramedullary screw allows the analysis of endochondral healing. A large amount of callus tissue, received after stabilization with the screw, offers ideal conditions to harvest tissue for biochemical and molecular analyses. A further advantage of the use of the screw is the fact that the screw can be inserted into the femur with a minimally invasive technique without inducing damage to the soft tissue. In conclusion, the screw is a unique implant that can ideally be used in closed fracture healing models offering standardized biomechanical conditions.

The operating time from skin incision to wound closure was 20 min. The surgery can be performed without a stereo-microscope. Postoperatively, the animals were monitored daily. Post-operative analgesia was terminated after 2 days because none of the animals showed evidence of pain after this time period. The animals showed also normal weight-bearing within 2 days after surgery. Wound infections were not observed during the entire observation period.
<p class="jove_content" fo:keep-toge...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Minimally Invasive Model to Analyze Endochondral Fracture Healing in Mice Under Standardized Biomechanical Conditions at JoVE.com

A Minimally Invasive Model to Analyze Endochondral Fracture Healing in Mice Under Standardized Biomechanical Conditions

This protocol describes a minimally invasive osteosynthesis technique using an intramedullary screw for standardized stabilization of femur fractures, which can be used to analyze endochondral bone healing in mice.

Bone healing models are necessary to analyze the complex mechanisms of fracture healing to improve clinical fracture treatment. During the last decade, an ...

The overall goal of this surgical technique is to provide standardized conditions for the analysis of fracture healing in mice. This method can help answer key questions in fracture healing research, such as the role of different growth factors in the mechanisms of bone repair. The main advantage of this procedure is that it can be used in a minimally invasive technique and provide standardized biomechanical conditions for the study of endochondral fracture healing in mice.In the following, Philipp, a student, will demonstrate the surgical procedure. Begin by ensuring that all required sterile surgical instruments and materials are positioned on an operation cloth directly adjacent to the small animal operation table. For this study, 12 to 14-week-old male CD-1 mice were used.After inducing anesthesia using an approved method, confirm anesthetization by the lack of response to a toe pinch. Apply eye lubricant to protect the eyes from drying during anesthesia, and place the anesthetized mouse under a heat radiator to keep the body temperature constant. Before surgery shave the entire right hind leg and apply a depilatory cream.After five minutes remove the cream and clean the leg with water. Then apply a disinfecting solution with 96%alcohol. Place the mouse in the supine position on the small animal operating table.Under aseptic conditions, bend the right knee to allow for an anterior approach to the condyles of the knee. Use a scalpel blade to perform a five millimeter medial parapatellar incision at the right knee. Mobilize the patellar ligament carefully with the scalpel blade and the swab.Then use fine forceps to shift the patella laterally to expose the intercondylar notch of the femur. Open the intercondylar notch exactly in the middle of the femur between both condyles. Use a hand drill with a 0.5 millimeter centering drill bit, and start drilling at a slow speed and a 45 degree offset ventrally to the femur axis.During drilling, continuously decrease the angle to zero degrees offset until it is parallel with the bone axis of the femur. Stop drilling when a depth of one millimeter is reached. Insert a 27 gauge needle into the intramedullary cavity over the whole length of the femur and ream the intramedullary cavity of the femur manually using a rotary motion.Then push the needle forward to perforate the cortical bone at the greater trochanter proximally. Remove the 27 gauge needle and apply the guide wire through the distal part of the femur. Then use a size 15 scalpel blade to make a skin incision proximally over the guide wire.Keep the guide wire in place while pushing it forward until both ends of the guide wire are outside. To create a defined closed fracture using the guillotine, place the mouse in a lateral position with the right leg under the guillotine. Make sure that the diaphyseal part of the femur is placed in the middle of the guillotine.Drop the 200 gram weight from the defined distance of 7.6 centimeters. Use the X-ray device to control the fracture configuration and position as well as the position of the guide wire. Use the nose at the distal end of the intramedullary screw to connect it to the 0.2 millimeter guide wire.Insert it into the femur under continuous pressure and clockwise rotation. Shear off the drive shaft when the sufficient torque is achieved, and then remove the guide wire proximally. Reposition the patella, and fix the patella tendon to the muscles with one single suture using a 5-0 synthetic monofilament nonabsorbable polypropylene suture.Use single sutures of the same material and size to close the wound. Use the X-ray device to control the reduction of the fragments and the screw position radiologically. Keep the post-surgical animal under the heat radiator until recovered from anesthesia.Observe the mouse until it has regained sufficient consciousness to maintain ventral recumbency. Return all postoperative animals to single cages in the animal facility. Monitor the animals carefully every day, and provide postoperative analgesia using approved methods for the first three days after surgery.Radiological analyses after two weeks showed an obvious formation of callus tissue bridging the fracture gap. After five weeks the fracture was healed and the periosteal callus was almost completely remodeled. Histological analyses of the callus and the fracture zone after two weeks showed typical distribution of endochondral healing with carticle tissue built during the chondrogenic process and woven bone.After five weeks the cartilage tissue disappeared and the woven bone was converted to the lamellar bone to reconstitute the normal anatomical and load-carrying properties of the bone. Biomechanical analyses after two weeks indicated a bending stiffness of 37%compared to the contralateral unfractured bone. After five weeks the bending stiffness was almost 100%indicating complete healing.Once mastered, this technique can be done in 20 minutes if it's performed properly. After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how to use this technique as a standardized model for fracture healing research.

a-minimally-invasive-model-to-analyze-endochondral-fracture-healing

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

Photothrombotic Ischemia: A Minimally Invasive and Reproducible Photochemical Cortical Lesion Model for Mouse Stroke Studies

The photothrombotic stroke model aims to induce an ischemic damage within a given cortical area by means of photo-activation of a previously injected light-sensitive dye. Following illumination, the dye is activated and produces singlet oxygen that damages components of endothelial cell membranes, with subsequent platelet aggregation and thrombi formation, which eventually determines the interruption of local blood flow. This approach, initially proposed by Rosenblum and El-Sabban in 1977, was later improved by Watson in 1985 in rat brain and set the basis of the current model. Also, the increased availability of transgenic mouse lines further contributed to raise the interest on the photothrombosis model. Briefly, a photosensitive dye (Rose Bengal) is injected intraperitoneally and enters the blood stream. When illuminated by a cold light source, the dye becomes activated and induces endothelial damage with platelet activation and thrombosis, resulting in local blood flow interruption. The light source can be applied on the intact skull with no need of craniotomy, which allows targeting of any cortical area of interest in a reproducible and non-invasive way. The mouse is then sutured and allowed to wake up. The evaluation of ischemic damage can be quickly accomplished by triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride or cresyl violet staining. This technique produces infarction of small size and well-delimited boundaries, which is highly advantageous for precise cell characterization or functional studies. Furthermore, it is particularly suitable for studying cellular and molecular responses underlying brain plasticity in transgenic mice.

Photothrombosis is a quick, minimally-invasive technique for inducing small and well-delimited infarction in areas of interest in highly reproducible manner. It is particularly suitable for studying cellular and molecular responses underlying brain plasticity in transgenic mice.

The photothrombotic stroke model aims to induce an ischemic damage within a given cortical area by means of photo-activation of a previously injected ...

Tibial Nerve Transection - A Standardized Model for Denervation-induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in Mice

The tibial nerve transection model is a well-tolerated, validated, and reproducible model of denervation-induced skeletal muscle atrophy in rodents. Although originally developed and used extensively in the rat due to its larger size, the tibial nerve in mice is big enough that it can be easily manipulated with either crush or transection, leaving the peroneal and sural nerve branches of the sciatic nerve intact and thereby preserving their target muscles. Thus, this model offers the advantages of inducing less morbidity and impediment of ambulation than the sciatic nerve transection model and also allows investigators to study the physiologic, cellular and molecular biologic mechanisms regulating the process of muscle atrophy in genetically engineered mice. The tibial nerve supplies the gastrocnemius, soleus and plantaris muscles, so its transection permits the study of denervated skeletal muscle composed of fast twitch type II fibers and/or slow twitch type I fibers. Here we demonstrate the tibial nerve transection model in the C57Black6 mouse. We assess the atrophy of the gastrocnemius muscle, as a representative muscle, at 1, 2, and 4 weeks post-denervation by measuring muscle weights and fiber type specific cross-sectional area on paraffin-embedded histologic sections immunostained for fast twitch myosin.

The tibial nerve transection model is a well-tolerated, validated, and reproducible model of skeletal muscle atrophy. The model surgical protocol is described and demonstrated in C57Black6 mice. &#160;

The tibial nerve transection model is a well-tolerated, validated, and reproducible model of denervation-induced skeletal muscle atrophy in rodents. ...

An Intramedullary Locking Nail for Standardized Fixation of Femur Osteotomies to Analyze Normal and Defective Bone Healing in Mice

Bone healing models are essential to the development of new therapeutic strategies for clinical fracture treatment. Furthermore, mouse models are becoming more commonly used in trauma research. They offer a large number of mutant strains and antibodies for the analysis of the molecular mechanisms behind the highly differentiated process of bone healing. To control the biomechanical environment, standardized and well-characterized osteosynthesis techniques are mandatory in mice. Here, we report on the design and use of an intramedullary nail to stabilize open femur osteotomies in mice. The nail, made of medical-grade stainless steel, provides high axial and rotational stiffness. The implant further allows the creation of defined, constant osteotomy gap sizes from 0.00 mm to 2.00 mm. Intramedullary locking nail stabilization of femur osteotomies with gap sizes of 0.00 mm and 0.25 mm result in adequate bone healing through endochondral and intramembranous ossification. Stabilization of femur osteotomies with a gap size of 2.00 mm results in atrophic non-union. Thus, the intramedullary locking nail can be used in healing and non-healing models. A further advantage of the use of the nail compared to other open bone healing models is the possibility to adequately fix bone substitutes and scaffolds in order to study the process of osseous integration. A disadvantage of the use of the intramedullary nail is the more invasive surgical procedure, inherent to all open procedures compared to closed models. A further disadvantage may be the induction of some damage to the intramedullary cavity, inherent to all intramedullary stabilization techniques compared to extramedullary stabilization procedures.

This protocol describes an osteosynthesis technique using an intramedullary locking nail for standardized fixation of femur osteotomies, which can be used to analyze normal and defective bone healing in mice.

Bone healing models are essential to the development of new therapeutic strategies for clinical fracture treatment. Furthermore, mouse models are becoming ...

Minimally Invasive Transverse Aortic Constriction in Mice

Minimally invasive transverse aortic constriction (MTAC) is a more desirable method for the constriction of the transverse aorta in mice than standard open-chest transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Although transverse aortic constriction is a highly functional method for the induction of high pressure in the left ventricle, it is a more difficult and lengthy procedure due to its use of artificial ventilation with tracheal intubation. TAC is oftentimes also less survivable, as the newer method, MTAC, neither requires the cutting of the ribs and intercostal muscles nor tracheal intubation with a ventilation setup. In MTAC, as opposed to a thoracotomy to access to the chest cavity, the aortic arch is reached through a midline incision in the anterior neck. The thyroid is pulled back to reveal the sternal notch. The sternum is subsequently cut down to the second rib level, and the aortic arch is reached simply by separating the connective tissues and thymus. From there, a suture can be wrapped around the arch and tied with a spacer, and then the sternal cut and skin can be closed. MTAC is a much faster and less invasive way to induce left ventricular hypertension and enables the possibility for high-throughput studies. The success of the constriction can be verified using high-frequency trans-thoracic echocardiography, particularly color Doppler and pulsed-wave Doppler, to determine the flow velocities of the aortic arch and left and right carotid arteries, the dimension of the blood vessels, and the left ventricular function and morphology. A successful constriction will also trigger significant histopathological changes, such as cardiac muscle cell hypertrophy with interstitial and perivascular fibrosis. Here, the procedure of MTAC is described, demonstrating how the resulting flow changes in the carotid arteries can be examined with echocardiography, gross morphology, and histopathological changes in the heart.

Minimally invasive transverse aortic constriction (MTAC) conserves the essentials of regular transverse aortic constriction (TAC) while eliminating the use of a ventilator with tracheal intubation. It proves to be a highly desirable method for high-throughput studies on left ventricular overload, particularly in translational studies.

Minimally invasive transverse aortic constriction (MTAC) is a more desirable method for the constriction of the transverse aorta in mice than standard ...

Minimally Invasive Muscle Embedding (MIME) - A Novel Experimental Technique to Facilitate Donor-Cell-Mediated Myogenesis

Skeletal muscle possesses regenerative capacity due to tissue-resident, muscle-fiber-generating (myogenic) satellite cells (SCs), which can form new muscle fibers under the right conditions. Although SCs can be harvested from muscle tissue and cultured in vitro, the resulting myoblast cells are not very effective in promoting myogenesis when transplanted into host muscle. Surgically exposing the host muscle and grafting segments of donor muscle tissue, or the isolated muscle fibers with their SCs onto host muscle, promotes better myogenesis compared to myoblast transplantation. We have developed a novel technique that we call Minimally Invasive Muscle Embedding (MIME). MIME involves passing a surgical needle through the host muscle, drawing a piece of donor muscle tissue through the needle track, and then leaving the donor tissue embedded in the host muscle so that it may act as a source of SCs for the host muscle. Here we describe in detail the steps involved in performing MIME in an immunodeficient mouse model that expresses a green fluorescent protein (GFP) in all of its cells. Immunodeficiency in the host mouse reduces the risk of immune rejection of the donor tissue, and GFP expression enables easy identification of the host muscle fibers (GFP+) and donor-cell-derived muscle fibers (GFP-). Our pilot data suggest that MIME can be used to implant an extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle from a donor mouse into the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of a host mouse. Our data also suggest that when a myotoxin (barium chloride, BaCl2) is injected into the host muscle after MIME, there is evidence of donor-cell-derived myogenesis in the host muscle, with approximately 5%, 26%, 26% and 43% of the fibers in a single host TA muscle showing no host contribution, minimal host contribution, moderate host contribution, and maximal host contribution, respectively.

Minimally Invasive Muscle Embedding MIME - A Novel Experimental Technique to Facilitate Donor-Cell-Mediated Myogenesis

We describe a novel experimental technique that we call Minimally Invasive Muscle Embedding (MIME), which is based on the evidence that skeletal muscle tissue contains viable myogenic cells that can facilitate donor-cell-mediated myogenesis when implanted into a host muscle.

Skeletal muscle possesses regenerative capacity due to tissue-resident, muscle-fiber-generating (myogenic) satellite cells (SCs), which can form new ...

In Vivo Evaluation of Fracture Callus Development During Bone Healing in Mice Using an MRI-compatible Osteosynthesis Device for the Mouse Femur

Endochondral fracture healing is a complex process involving the development of fibrous, cartilaginous, and osseous tissue in the fracture callus. The amount of the different tissues in the callus provides important information on the fracture healing progress. Available in vivo techniques to longitudinally monitor the callus tissue development in preclinical fracture-healing studies using small animals include digital radiography and &#181;CT imaging. However, both techniques are only able to distinguish between mineralized and non-mineralized tissue. Consequently, it is impossible to discriminate cartilage from fibrous tissue. In contrast, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visualizes anatomical structures based on their water content and might therefore be able to noninvasively identify soft tissue and cartilage in the fracture callus. Here, we report the use of an MRI-compatible external fixator for the mouse femur to allow MRI scans during bone regeneration in mice. The experiments demonstrated that the fixator and a custom-made mounting device allow repetitive MRI scans, thus enabling longitudinal analysis of fracture-callus tissue development.

In Vivo Evaluation of Fracture Callus Development During Bone Healing in Mice Using an MRI-compatible Osteosynthesis Device for the Mouse Femur

The evaluation of tissue development in the fracture callus during endochondral bone healing is essential to monitor the healing process. Here, we report the use of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible external fixator for the mouse femur to allow MRI scans during bone regeneration in mice.

Endochondral fracture healing is a complex process involving the development of fibrous, cartilaginous, and osseous tissue in the fracture callus. The ...

The Generation of Closed Femoral Fractures in Mice: A Model to Study Bone Healing

Bone fractures impose a tremendous socio-economic burden on patients, in addition to significantly affecting their quality of life. Therapeutic strategies that promote efficient bone healing are non-existent and in high demand. Effective and reproducible animal models of fractures healing are needed to understand the complex biological processes associated with bone regeneration. Many animal models of fracture healing have been generated over the years; however, murine fracture models have recently emerged as powerful tools to study bone healing. A variety of open and closed models have been developed, but the closed femoral fracture model stands out as a simple method for generating rapid and reproducible results in a physiologically relevant manner. The goal of this surgical protocol is to generate unilateral closed femoral fractures in mice and facilitate a post-fracture stabilization of the femur by inserting an intramedullary steel rod. Although devices such as a nail or a screw offer greater axial and rotational stability, the use of an intramedullary rod provides a sufficient stabilization for consistent healing outcomes without producing new defects in the bone tissue or damaging nearby soft tissue. Radiographic imaging is used to monitor the progression of callus formation, bony union, and subsequent remodeling of the bony callus. Bone healing outcomes are typically associated with the strength of the healed bone and measured with torsional testing. Still, understanding the early cellular and molecular events associated with fracture repair is critical in the study of bone tissue regeneration. The closed femoral fracture model in mice with intramedullary fixation serves as an attractive platform to study bone fracture healing and evaluate therapeutic strategies to accelerate healing.

The murine closed femoral fracture model is a powerful platform to study fracture healing and novel therapeutic strategies to accelerate bone regeneration. The goal of this surgical protocol is to generate unilateral closed femoral fractures in mice using an intramedullary steel rod to stabilize the femur.

Bone fractures impose a tremendous socio-economic burden on patients, in addition to significantly affecting their quality of life. Therapeutic strategies ...

Electromagnetic Navigation Transthoracic Nodule Localization for Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery

The increased use of chest computed tomography (CT) has led to an increased detection of pulmonary nodules requiring diagnostic evaluation and/or excision. Many of these nodules are identified and excised via minimally invasive thoracic surgery; however, subcentimeter and subsolid nodules are frequently difficult to identify intra-operatively. This can be mitigated by the use of electromagnetic transthoracic needle localization. This protocol delineates the step-by-step process of electromagnetic localization from the pre-operative period to the postoperative period and is an adaptation of the electromagnetically guided percutaneous biopsy previously described by Arias et al. Pre-operative steps include obtaining a same day CT followed by the generation of a three-dimensional virtual map of the lung. From this map, the target lesion(s) and an entry site are chosen. In the operating room, the virtual reconstruction of the lung is then calibrated with the patient and the electromagnetic navigation platform. The patient is then sedated, intubated, and placed in the lateral decubitus position. Using a sterile technique and visualization from multiple views, the needle is inserted into the chest wall at the prechosen skin entry site and driven down to the target lesion. Dye is then injected into the lesion and, then, continuously during needle withdrawal, creating a tract for visualization intra-operatively. This method has many potential benefits when compared to the CT-guided localization, including a decreased radiation exposure and decreased time between the dye injection and the surgery. Dye diffusion from the pathway occurs over time, thereby limiting intra-operative nodule identification. By decreasing the time to surgery, there is a decrease in wait time for the patient, and less time for dye diffusion to occur, resulting in an improvement in nodule localization. When compared to electromagnetic bronchoscopy, airway architecture is no longer a limitation as the target nodule is accessed via a transparenchymal approach. Details of this procedure are described in a step-by-step fashion.

Presented here is a protocol for lung nodule localization using dye marking via electromagnetically navigated transthoracic needle access. The technique described here can be accomplished in the peri-operative period to optimize nodule localization and to successful resection when performing minimally invasive thoracic surgery.

The increased use of chest computed tomography (CT) has led to an increased detection of pulmonary nodules requiring diagnostic evaluation and/or ...

A Pre-clinical Rat Model for the Study of Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Reconstructive Microsurgery

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is the main cause of flap failure in reconstructive microsurgery. The rat is the preferred preclinical animal model in many areas of biomedical research due to its cost-effectiveness and its translation to humans. This protocol describes a method to create a preclinical free skin flap model in rats with ischemia-reperfusion injury. The described 3 cm x 6 cm rat free skin flap model is easily obtained after the placement of several vascular ligatures and the section of the vascular pedicle. Then, 8 h after the ischemic insult and completion of the microsurgical anastomosis, the free skin flap develops the tissue damage. These ischemia-reperfusion injury-related damages can be studied in this model, making it a suitable model for evaluating therapeutic agents to address this pathophysiological process. Furthermore, two main monitoring techniques are described in the protocol for the assessment of this animal model: transit-time ultrasound technology and laser speckle contrast analysis.

Here, we describe a pre-clinical animal model for studying the pathophysiology of ischemia-reperfusion injury in reconstructive microsurgery. This free skin flap model based on the superficial caudal epigastric vessels in the rat may also allow for the evaluation of different therapies and compounds to counteract ischemia-reperfusion injury-related damage.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is the main cause of flap failure in reconstructive microsurgery. The rat is the preferred preclinical animal model in many ...

Evaluation of Capnography Sampling Line Compatibility and Accuracy when Used with a Portable Capnography Monitor

Capnography is commonly used to monitor patient&#8217;s ventilatory status. While sidestream capnography has been shown to provide a reliable assessment of end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2), its accuracy is commonly validated using commercial kits composed of a capnography monitor and its matching disposable nasal cannula sampling lines. The purpose of this study was to assess the compatibility and accuracy of cross-paired capnography sampling lines with a single portable bedside capnography monitor. A series of 4 bench tests were performed to evaluate the tensile strength, rise time, ETCO2 accuracy as a function of respiratory rate, and ETCO2 accuracy in the presence of supplemental O2. Each bench test was performed using specialized, validated equipment to allow for a full evaluation of sampling line performance. The 4 bench tests successfully differentiated between sampling lines from different commercial sources and suggested that due to increased rise time and decreased ETCO2 accuracy, not all nasal cannula sampling lines provide reliable clinical data when cross-paired with a commercial capnography monitor. Care should be taken to ensure that any cross-pairing of capnography monitors and disposable sampling lines is fully validated for use across respiratory rates and supplemental O2 flow rates commonly encountered in clinical settings.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of capnography sampling lines used in conjunction with a portable bedside capnography monitor. Sampling lines from 7 manufacturers were evaluated for tensile strength, rise time, and ETCO2 accuracy as a function of respiratory rate or supplemental oxygen flow rate.

Capnography is commonly used to monitor patient&#8217;s ventilatory status. While sidestream capnography has been shown to provide a reliable assessment ...