Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
A Mouse Model of Lumbar Spine Instability
Published on: April 23, 2021
Posterolateral intertransverse lumbar fusion in a mouse model: surgical anatomy and operative technique
Raj D Rao1, Vaibhav B Bagaria, Brian C Cooley
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9200 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53226-3522, USA. rrao@mcw.edu
Background Context:
Animal models are frequently used for studying the effect of bone graft substitutes or allogeneic materials on osterolateral lumbar fusion. Transgenic technology in the mouse provides a unique opportunity to further understand the biology of spine fusion.
Purpose:
To describe pertinent lumbar spine anatomy and formulate a surgical protocol for posterolateral fusion in the mouse model.
Study Design:
Diagnostic model: development of an animal model for biologic evaluation of posterolateral spine fusion.
Method:
Ten mice were killed to study relevant lumbar spine anatomy and develop a protocol for lumbar spine fusion. The L4-L6 fusion protocol was validated in 46 mice for ease of exposure, preparation of the posterolateral fusion bed, introduction of bone inductive agents, and perioperative care.
Results:
Anatomy and surgical technique for posterolateral intertransverse lumbar fusion in the mouse model are described. A paraspinal approach allows exposure of the transverse processes, decortication, and graft placement at the L4-L6 intertransverse fusion site. Decortication alone did not result in fusion, whereas the use of bone graft resulted in satisfactory fusion rates. Perioperative morbidity and mortality rates were low.
Conclusion:
The mouse posterolateral lumbar spine fusion model is reproducible, inexpensive, and has low complication rates. Knowledge of the relevant anatomy and adherence to a well-defined surgical protocol provides a reliable and reproducible experimental spine fusion model.
