A Mouse Model of Ankle-Subtalar Complex Joint Instability

Shuo Wang; Peixin Liu; Chunzhuo Hua; Hongtao Zhang; Jia Yu

doi:10.3791/64481

A Mouse Model of Ankle-Subtalar Complex Joint Instability

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Biology

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JoVE Journal Biology

A Mouse Model of Ankle-Subtalar Complex Joint Instability

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09:14 min

October 28, 2022

DOI: 10.3791/64481-v

Shuo Wang*^1,2, Peixin Liu*^1,2, Chunzhuo Hua^1,2, Hongtao Zhang^1,2, Jia Yu^1,2

¹Department of Orthopaedics,The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, ²Orthopaedic Institute,Soochow University

Overview

The study focuses on the ankle-subtalar complex joint (ASCJ), essential for balance control during daily activities. It presents a mouse model of ligament transection-induced instability in the ASCJ, providing insights for clinical foot disease research.

Key Study Components

Research Area

Orthopedic research
Biomechanics
Animal models for foot diseases

Background

The ASCJ's role in foot stability and injury response.
Importance of accurate animal models for clinical relevance.
Understanding sports-related joint instability.

Methods Used

Mouse model of ligament transection
Balance and gait training assessments
Histological examination of joint architecture

Main Results

Successful establishment of a clinically relevant ASCJ instability model.
Assessment of gait performance and balance post-surgery.
Histological verification of joint structure post-dissection.

Conclusions

The model enhances understanding of foot joint instability.
It provides a platform for studying diagnosis and treatment strategies for foot diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ASCJ and why is it important?

The ankle-subtalar complex joint (ASCJ) is critical for maintaining balance and stability during movement.

How does ligament transection affect the ASCJ?

Ligament transection leads to instability in the ASCJ, affecting gait and balance.

What methods were used to assess the animals in this study?

The study employed balance beam tests and gait training to evaluate animal performance.

Why is a mouse model used for studying foot diseases?

Mice provide a controlled environment suitable for replicating human foot conditions and studying pathophysiological mechanisms.

What are the implications of this research?

This research aims to inform clinical approaches to diagnosing and treating foot diseases stemming from joint instability.

How does this model contribute to future research?

It allows for further investigation into mechanistic aspects of ankle instability and potential therapeutic interventions.

What histological assessments were performed in the study?

Histological examinations were conducted to observe structural changes in the ASCJ post-surgery, verifying joint integrity.

The ankle-subtalar complex joint (ASCJ) is the core of the foot and plays a key role in balance control in daily activities. Sports injuries often lead to instability in this joint. Here, we describe a mouse model of ligament transection-induced instability of the ASCJ.

The successful establishment of the ASCJ inability mouse model extends a simple ankle inability animal model, and provides a new concepts for the study of the clinical foot diseases. We have established an animal model that's more in line with the actual clinical situation, which can be used for further research on the diagnosis and the treatment of the foot's diseases. One week before the experiment, subject the mice to balance beam and gait training, going from one end of a balance beam or U-shaped pipe to the other, without stopping.

After anesthetizing and removing the hair on the ankle joint of the mouse's right hind limbs, disinfect the exposed skin with an iodine swab. Transfer the mouse to the microsurgery animal operating room using a sterile surgical pad. For the transverse cervical and anterior talofibular ligament groups, make a seven millimeter oblique downward longitudinal incision with a scalpel on the skin above the right ankle joint.

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