An experimental model of post-traumatic osteomyelitis in rabbits.

An experimental model of a contaminated open fracture, using the tibia of male New Zealand white rabbits, is described. Post-traumatic osteomyelitis can be reliably induced in this model, with no systemic ill-effects. The characteristic bacteriological, radiological and histological findings are described. Inoculation of the fracture site with Staphylococcus aureus in a concentration of 10(6) bacteria caused osteomyelitis in two out of five rabbits. When the concentration of inoculum was increased to 10(7) organisms, osteomyelitis was seen in four out of five rabbits. No cases of infection were seen in the control animals. This is a simple and reliable model for studies into the prevention and treatment of post-traumatic osteomyelitis.