Miniature pigs as an animal model for implant research: bone regeneration in critical-size defects

Considering the amount of new bone formation found within this study, it is questionable if the critical defect size of 5 cm3 stated in the literature is valid. Further research concerning the mandibular model in minipigs is required and more refinement needed to assure a standardized CSD, allowing qualitative and quantitative evaluation of bone grafts and bone graft substitutes.