Single level posterolateral lumbar fusion in a New Zealand White rabbit () model: Surgical anatomy, operative technique, autograft fusion rates, and perioperative care.

Introduction: The posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) New Zealand White (NZW) () rabbit model is a long-standing surgical technique for the preclinical evaluation of materials for spinal fusion. A detailed understanding of lumbar spine anatomy and perioperative care requirements of rabbits is imperative for correct execution of the model both scientifically and ethically. This study describes the preoperative procedures and surgical techniques used in single level PLF in a NZW rabbit model as it pertains to the animal husbandry, lumbar spine anatomy, anesthesia, surgical approach, and perioperative care of rabbits in a research setting.