Technical note on an ovine model to study biomedical implants intended for maxillofacial reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a repeated-measures model permitting evaluation of up to four implants intended for maxillofacial applications in sheep.

ANIMALS: Two-year-old Merino wethers (n = 5).

METHODS

A retromandibular subparotid approach was developed through anatomical study of  atlases, predissected models and cadaveric experiments. A purpose-designed surgical guide and test miniplates were produced to improve standardization among test implants. Five sheep were monitored for 6 months postoperatively to demonstrate the safety and practicality of the model.

RESULTS

All animals resumed food intake within 5 min of regaining the righting reflex. The only complication consisted of a mild unilateral swelling over the surgical site in two sheep, which resolved spontaneously within 8 weeks.

CONCLUSION

The approach provided a safe and reliable surgical corridor to the mandibular ramus in sheep. Surgical site swelling should be assessed by ultrasonography to exclude implant involvement. This model may improve standardization and reduce animal numbers in studies evaluating maxillofacial implants.