Lessons learned from animal models of osteomyelitis.

Because of the marked variability in presentation and management of osteomyelitis in patients, research with animal models that mimic the human disease offers a more controlled approach. Presently available animal models have been used to study pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of osteomyelitis. Each model has advantages and disadvantages. Although it seems improbable that an ideal model of osteomyelitis will be achieved in the near future, further efforts to develop new experimental models and innovative research with present models are clearly needed.