Animal models for evaluation of tissue-engineered orthopedic implants

Animal models are an indispensable tool in tissue engineering research as they provide important information that may lead to eventual development of clinically useful treatment of diseases. Current tissue engineering strategies often involve three main components: cells, scaffolds, and bioactive factors for the repair or regeneration of a specific tissue type. Research in animal models thus bridges the gap between in vitro studies (such as scaffold degradation, cell-scaffold interactions, and scaffold toxicity) and human clinical trials. Animal models have been and will continue to be used to develop an understanding of each of the primary components separately, in combination, and ultimately in pathologic orthopedic conditions.