Large animal models and methods for spinal orthopaedics and neurotrauma studies

In vivo large animal experiments are essential where the biological response is imperative to the research question. Such studies may be used to answer fundamental questions about the spine and spinal cord in healthy, diseased and injured states, or for the pre-clinical evaluation of procedures and devices. Large animal models offer the opportunity for in vivo and ex vivo biomechanical and other outcome measures beyond that possible in human studies. This presentation aims to summarise some of the models and methods which may be considered for such large animal studies, and the implications, advantages and disadvantages of these approaches.