2022, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (18): 2922-2929

Characteristics and application on animal models of different species of Perthes disease

Chen Xianxiang, Liao Shijie, Li Boxiang, Li Chong, Huang Qian, Lin Chengsen, Liu Yun, Lu Rongbin, Ding Xiaofei   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of Perthes disease is insidious and easily missed at an early stage, and the mechanism of pathogenesis is still not fully understood. Animal models are an important tool for studying the pathogenesis of Perthes disease and for conducting in vivo experiments.   
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the relevant domestic and foreign literature, classify animals of different species to review the characteristics and application of animal models of Perthes disease, and provide references for the in vivo experimental research of Perthes disease.
METHODS:   Using “Perthes, Perthes disease, animal model, animal” as the Chinese and English search terms, articles were searched on PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 61 articles were finally included.   
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The main species for establishing the animal models of Perthes disease are piglets, rats, mice, young rabbits, puppies, and young sheep. Piglets, rats, young rabbits, young dogs, and young sheep are modeled at the proximal femur, while mice are modeled at the distal femur. (2) So far, piglets are the most used animals to model Perthes disease, and femoral neck ligation is the most mature method to model piglets. The epiphyseal growth plate of rats exists for life, and spontaneously hypertensive rats have the characteristics of primary avascular necrosis of the femoral head. (3) Mice have the advantage of being conducive to gene manipulation, and mice have great application prospects in basic research. The size of the young rabbit is moderate, the size of the femoral head is moderate, and it is easy to observe and obtain materials. (4) The puppies are large and convenient for local operation research, but they are difficult to be kept in captivity and expensive. (5) The imaging changes of young sheep model were not similar to Perthes disease. (6) At present, on the whole, the specific animal and method for modeling are selected according to the experimental conditions and objectives of scholars. The femoral neck cerclage method is the most mature model for piglets, and this model is currently the best.
Key words: Perthes disease, animal models, research progress, ischemic necrosis of the femoral epiphysis in children, ischemic osteonecrosis, femur, modelling, review