A novel implantation model for evaluation of bone healing response to dental implants: the goat iliac crest.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the availability of numerous animal models for testing the biological performance of dental and orthopedic implants, the selection of a suitable model is complex. This paper presents a new model for objective and standardized evaluation of bone responses to implants using the iliac crest in goats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The feasibility of the iliac crest model regarding anatomy and implant positioning was determined using two cadaveric specimens and the bone structure was evaluated and compared with that of the goat femoral condyle. Additionally, the validity of the model was tested by performing an in vivo study. RESULTS: By means of a rather simple, safe, fast and reproducible surgical procedure, the iliac crest in goats could be approached and allowed the implantation of maximally five dental implants per iliac crest. Because of the bilateral implantation possibility, statistical comparisons between groups on either side of the goat could be performed, resulting in a high statistical power, and hence a reduction in the number of animals required to obtain significant data. CONCLUSIONS: In terms of surgical approach, anatomy and implant positioning, the iliac crest is the preferred model over the femoral condyle model. The iliac crest implantation model is suitable for evaluation of the osteogenic response to bone implant materials and represents a justified and deliberate alternative to the already existing animal models