A Novel Spinal Implant Infection Model in Rabbits

Abstract

This new animal model demonstrates that multiple biomaterial implants can be evaluated in the same animal and provides a technique for investigating postoperative device-centered infection of the spine. Infection was demonstrated in noncontiguous lumbar sites of the spine, whereas adjacent control sites remained sterile. Because there was no cross contamination or systemic spread of the infection, multiple anti-infection strategies or implant materials can now be tested for efficacy in a single animal to combat dramatic and costly postoperative implant infections.