Robust method to create a standardized and reproducible atrophic non-union model in a rat femur.

No evidence exists about which biological approach is more reliable for creating non-union model. We investigated how to create a reproducible atrophic non-union model in a rat femur. We compared three groups: simple osteotomy (group A), partial periosteum cauterization (group B), and extensive periosteum and bone marrow resection (group C). All samples in group C demonstrated atrophic non-union in radiological, histological, and biomechanical analyses, however half of the samples in group B showed fracture healing at week 16. Extensive resection of periosteum and bone marrow is important for a reproducible atrophic non-union model in a rat femur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]