Joint Distraction Treatments of Intra-Articular Fracture-Induced Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis in a Large Animal Model
Abstract
Development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a common complication after an intra-articular fracture (IAF) in both combat and civilian settings. The broad goal of this expansion award is to determine if joint distraction can prevent the development of PTOA after an IAF. During this first project year, we obtained all of the animal protocol approvals required for the planned surgical series. We developed a new external fixator specifically for distracting Yucatan minipig hocks symmetrically and characterized the mechanical behavior of this device. We completed one of our two large surgical series of animals in which the new external fixator was applied at the time of fracture repair to prevent development of PTOA. Initial analysis of that first series indicated that delays in treatment of the fracture increase severity of cartilage degeneration. Our acute joint distraction treatment suffered some complications and did not appear to improve cartilage health when applied at this acute phase. We have encountered some significant delays and logistical challenges associated with animal availability as our planned vendor was forced to cull all immature animals from their herd as a result of PRRS (porcine respiratory and reproduction syndrome). This forced purchase of animals from alternative more expensive vendors and has significantly delayed the live animal work.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1027659
Entities
People
- Jessica E Goetz
Organizations
- University of Iowa