RT Journal Article
T1 Experimental reproduction of periprosthetic joint infection: Developing a representative animal model
A1 López-Torres, Irene Isabel
A1 Sanz Ruiz, Pablo
A1 Navarro García, Federico
A1 León-Román, Victor Estuardo
A1 Vaquero Martín, Francisco Javier
AB Infection after arthroplasty (prosthetic joint infection; PJI) is a devastating complication that can lead to functional loss of the affected limb. The purpose of the present study is to develop an animal model of PJI using a three-dimensional printed species-specific implant, which is a step forward for future research to develop new therapeutic strategies.MethodsFifteen New Zealand White rabbits were employed to reproduce PJI by intra-articular inoculation of 105 cfu/ml of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC® 29213. Three-dimensional printing technology was used to design a species-specific four-millimeter-thick implant maintaining the anatomical irregularities of the tibial-articular surface. Response to bacterial inoculation was monitored by clinical (weight and temperature), hematological (leukocyte, lymphocyte and platelet counts) and biochemical (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) analyses at the time of inoculation and seven days thereafter, when microbiological samples for culture were also taken.ResultsAll animals recovered from surgery and all displayed full weight-bearing four days postoperatively. Fourteen of the 15 tested animals (93.3%) presented positive microbiological cultures. A statistically significant increase was found in the number of platelets and leukocytes, as well as a significant decrease in the percentage of lymphocytes, with P = 0.0001 in all cases.ConclusionsAn experimental model faithfully reproducing the periprosthetic infection environment and achieving a high rate of infection has been designed. The use of three-dimensional printed species-specific implants allows rapid postoperative recovery of animals and the development of a stable biofilm. These characteristics make it an interesting model to study its pathogenesis and possible therapeutic strategies.
PB Elsevier
SN 0968-0160
YR 2020
FD 2020-06
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/125962
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/125962
LA eng
NO López-Torres II, Sanz-Ruíz P, Navarro-García F, León-Román VE, Vaquero-Martín J. Experimental reproduction of periprosthetic joint infection: Developing a representative animal model. The Knee [Internet]. junio de 2020 [citado 11 de noviembre de 2025];27(3):1106-12. Disponible en: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0968016019303230
NO UCM-Santander
DS Docta Complutense
RD 19 mar 2026