Biomedical research models in the science of fracture healing - Pitfalls & promises. Issue 10 (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marmor, Meir T.; Dailey, Hannah; Marcucio, Ralph; Hunt, Anthony C.
• Is Part Of: Injury. Volume 51:Issue 10(2020)
• Page Start: 2118
• Page End: 2128
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Fracture healing -- Modeling -- Computer simulation -- Animal models -- Mathematical models -- Finite element models -- Data driven models -- Mechanism discovery; Wounds and injuries -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Accidents -- Periodicals; Wounds and Injuries -- surgery -- Periodicals; Lésions et blessures -- Chirurgie -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; Electronic journals; 617.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2020.06.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-1383

Abstract

Highlights: Research into fracture healing mechanism is mostly done through pre-clinical models. The translation barrier between pre-clinical research and clinical practice may be related to the limitations of these models. The different pre-clinical research models are classified and described. Each model type has its unique advantages and translational limitations. Regardless of the approach chosen to increase our knowledge on fracture healing, an integrative approach that combines data from all model types is preferable to overreliance on a single model type. Although this review focuses on models of fracture healing, the concepts presented herein are broadly applicable to other biomedical domains. Abstract: Development of intervention strategies to stimulate fracture healing has long been a focus of musculoskeletal research. Considerable investment in empirical research has led to the discovery of several genes and signaling pathways that are involved in skeletal development and regeneration. However, there are currently very few biologic interventions that can efficiently be used to enhance fracture healing in clinical practice. This translational barrier is due in part to experimental barriers to mechanism discovery. Animal models, biomechanical models, finite element models, and mathematical models are a few examples of models that aid in the discovery of mechanisms. Understanding the advantages, limitations, and specialized uses of each model type is critical to our ability to interpret mechanistic insights from such research and to help bridge the translation gap between pre-clinical research and clinical practice. In this review, we look at specific modeling methods used in the study of the fracture healing mechanism. We also discuss the strength and limitations to translation of each method, hopefully leading to a better understanding of how we can use models to advance the study of fracture healing.