A Novel Animal Model of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Based on 3D Printing Technology

Abstract Background Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common orthopedic disease that is characterized by the interruption of blood supply to the femoral head. This leads to ischemia of the internal tissues, subchondral bone fractures, necrosis, and ultimately, the collapse of the weight-bearing portion of the femoral head, resulting in severe functional impairment, pain, and even disability of the hip joint. Currently, available animal models of ONFH are limited in their ability to accurately replicate the natural progression of the disease. Therefore, there is a need for the development of a new animal model that can better simulate the localized pressure on the human femoral head to facilitate research related to ONFH. Method In this study, we have developed a novel method for modeling ONFH that incorporates stress factors into the modeling process using 3D printing technology and principles of biomechanics. 36 animals were randomly assigned to six groups and received either a novel modeling technique or traditional hormone induction. Following an 8-week treatment period, Micro CT scans and histological evaluations were conducted to assess tissue outcomes. Results The new model effectively replicates the pathological features of ONFH, including femoral head collapse, with a large number of empty bone lacunae observed, cartilage defects, and subchondral bone fractures in the subchondral bone region. Furthermore, the new model shows the ability to simulate the progression of the disease, making it a valuable tool for research in this field. Conclusion In conclusion, our study provides evidence that the new ONFH model is a useful tool for simulating the disease and can contribute to the development of better treatment strategies for this debilitating condition. It holds great promise for advancing our understanding of the pathogenesis of ONFH and the potential therapeutic interventions for this challenging clinical problem.