ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Various methods have been developed for establishing a rabbit osteoarthritis model worldwide. However, most of modeling methods are cumbersome, and the original gypsum braking method has some defects. OBJECTIVE: To establish the rabbit osteoarthritis model using polymer bandage combined with a plastic rod. METHODS: Sixteen male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into model group and control group. In the model group, the rabbit osteoarthritis model was established through fixed braking using polymer bandage in the flexion position. The control group was normal group. In the model group, the polymer bandage was removed after 8 weeks of fixation. Histological changes of rabbit synovium, cartilage and meniscus were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining under microscope. Mankin scoring for articular cartilage was performed. The study protocol was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University (approval No. IACUC-20170222026). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Under the light microscope, the number of meniscus chondrocytes and stroma in the model group was increased, with part of chondrocytes increased in size, and clearly visible cartilage pits. A small amount of chronic inflammatory cells in synovial tissue infiltrated, the number of collagen fibers increased, and some collagen fibers were thickened with hyaline degeneration. Villous-nodular hyperplasia was visible in part of synovial tissues. There were slight fissures on part of the cartilage surface, chondrocytes and stroma slightly proliferated, the number of chondrocytes and stroma reduced partially, and collagen fibers arranged disorderly. The pathological results showed that there were typical pathological changes of knee osteoarthritis in the knee. The Mankin score of the model group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Therefore, the use of polymer bandage combined with plastic rod can successfully establish the rabbit model of knee osteoarthritis, with good local fixation stability, joint angle controllability, and good local permeability.