Comparative anatomy and morphology of the knee in translational models for articular cartilage disorders. Part I: Large animals.
Abstract: The human knee is a complex joint, and affected by a variety of articular cartilage disorders. Large animal models are critical to model the complex disease mechanisms affecting a functional joint. Species-dependent differences highly affect the results of a pre-clinical study and need to be considered, necessitating specific knowledge not only of macroscopic and microscopic anatomical and pathological aspects, but also characteristics of their individual gait and joint movements. Methods: Literature search in Pubmed. Conclusions: This narrative review summarizes the most relevant anatomical structural and functional characteristics of the knee (stifle) joints of the major translational large animal species, comprising dogs, (mini)pigs, sheep, goats, and horses in comparison with humans. Specific characteristics of each species, including kinematical gait parameters are provided. Considering these multifactorial dimensions will allow to select the appropriate model for answering the research questions in a clinically relevant fashion.
Copyright © 2021 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2021-02-03 PubMed ID: 33548412DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151680Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Review
Summary
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This research article provides a detailed comparison of the knee anatomy and function among humans and different large animal species. It aims to help pre-clinical researchers choose the most appropriate species for studying articular cartilage disorders and their treatment methods.
Overview
This study provides a comprehensive comparison of the knee (stifle) joint structure and function in humans, dogs, pigs, sheep, goats, and horses. The researchers evaluate these aspects from a comparative anatomy and morphology perspective, with the goal to optimize pre-clifinal study designs in the context of articular cartilage disorders.
Methods
- The researchers used a literature search in Pubmed – a comprehensive database for biomedical literature. This method of sourcing data provides a broad base of previous research and studies regarding the comparative anatomy of the knees across species.
Significance of Comparative Anatomy in research
- The researchers emphasize the importance of understanding the underlying anatomy and any species-specific differences when conducting preclinical studies. This knowledge is essential for translating the results from animal models to humans.
- Not just the structural but also the functional characteristics, along with kinematical gait parameters, can have a significant impact on the research findings. Thus, researchers need to account for these aspects while selecting a suitable model for their studies.
Conclusion
- The review concludes by stating that considering these multifactorial dimensions – anatomy, movement characteristics, and species-specific traits, will allow for selecting the appropriate model.
- The ultimate goal is to conduct research that can answer relevant clinical questions and contribute to treating articular cartilage disorders effectively.
Cite This Article
APA
Oláh T, Cai X, Michaelis JC, Madry H.
(2021).
Comparative anatomy and morphology of the knee in translational models for articular cartilage disorders. Part I: Large animals.
Ann Anat, 235, 151680.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151680 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany. Electronic address: henning.madry@uks.eu.
MeSH Terms
- Anatomy, Comparative
- Animals
- Cartilage Diseases
- Cartilage, Articular
- Dogs
- Goats
- Horses
- Humans
- Knee Joint
- Sheep
Citations
This article has been cited 11 times.- Wang S, Ma J, Zhao X, Xue Y, Liu W, Huang H, Zhang L, Tian A, Ma X. The Osteoarthritis Natural Progress and Changes in Intraosseous Pressure of the Guinea Pig Model in Different Degeneration Stages. Orthop Surg 2022 Nov;14(11):3036-3046.
- Michaelis JC, Oláh T, Schrenker S, Cucchiarini M, Madry H. A high-resolution cross-species comparative analysis of the subchondral bone provides insight into critical topographical patterns of the osteochondral unit. Clin Transl Med 2022 Feb;12(2):e745.
- Lin Z, Deng Z, Liu J, Lin Z, Chen S, Deng Z, Li W. Chloride Channel and Inflammation-Mediated Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis. J Inflamm Res 2022;15:953-964.
- Zheng E, Cen T, Ma Y, Weng Z, Jiang C, Hou L, Leng J, Hu C. A Nutritional Supplement Containing Curcumin C3 Complex, Glucosamine, and Chondroitin Alleviates Osteoarthritis in Mice and Canines. Vet Sci 2025 May 12;12(5).
- Ishii D, Sato S, Fujie H. Dynamic Deformation Behavior of the Porcine Anterior Cruciate Ligament Enthesis Under Anterior Tibial Loading. Ann Biomed Eng 2025 Mar;53(3):588-596.
- Chen J, Xu H, Zhou H, Wang Z, Li W, Guo J, Zhou Y. Knowledge mapping and bibliometric analysis of medical knee magnetic resonance imaging for knee osteoarthritis (2004-2023). Front Surg 2024;11:1387351.
- Malekipour F, Whitton RC, Lee PV. Advancements in Subchondral Bone Biomechanics: Insights from Computed Tomography and Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging in Equine Models. Curr Osteoporos Rep 2024 Dec;22(6):544-552.
- Mazy D, Lu D, Leclerc S, Laor B, Wang J, Pinvicy A, Moldovan F, Nault ML. Animal models used in meniscal repair research from ex vivo to in vivo: A systematic review. J Orthop 2024 Sep;55:23-31.
- Moslehyazdi M, Bielajew B, Schlechter JA, Hu JC, Athanasiou KA, Wang D. Detrimental Effects of Chlorhexidine on Articular Cartilage Viability, Matrix, and Mechanics. Am J Sports Med 2024 Mar;52(4):1068-1074.
- Nagai-Tanima M, Ishida K, Ishikawa A, Yamada S, Takakuwa T, Aoyama T. Three-Dimensional Imaging Analysis of the Developmental Process of Posterior Meniscofemoral Ligaments in Rat Embryos. Cells Tissues Organs 2024;213(5):357-367.
- Oláh T, Cucchiarini M, Madry H. Subchondral bone remodeling patterns in larger animal models of meniscal injuries inducing knee osteoarthritis - a systematic review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2023 Dec;31(12):5346-5364.
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