A New Method for Creating Impact-Induced Intra-Articular Fractures in a Rabbit Model Induces Severe Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis.

Objectives: The objective of this work was to develop a model of intra-articular fracture (IAF) in a rabbit and document the speed and severity of degenerative joint changes after fracture fixation.

Methods: With Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee approval, impact-induced IAFs were created in the distal tibia of 16 New Zealand White rabbits. Fractures were fixed with a plate and screws.