A technique for creating critical-size defects in the metatarsus of sheep for use in investigation of healing of long-bone defects.

Objective: To develop a technique for use in investigation of healing of long-bone defects by creation of a critical-size defect in the left metarsal III and IV bone (metatarsus) of sheep.

Animals: 18 healthy adult sheep.

Procedure: Sheep were allocated to 4 groups (3, 3, 5, and 7 sheep in groups 1 to 4, respectively).