Animal model of human disease: Dysbaric osteonecrosis. Dysbaric osteonecrosis in mice

Dysbaric osteonecrosis, a potentially disabling disorder, has recently been recognized as a major hazard in divers and compressed-air workers. The incidence of the disease ranges from 4% in Royal Navy Divers to 50-60% in Japanese diving fishermen. The etiology and pathogenesis of dysbaric osteonecrosis are still obscure. An animal model could be very helpful in improving our understanding of causative and predisposing factors and in the development of preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. The hereditary obese hyperglycemic mouse develops dysbarism-induced bone necrosis that closely parallels human dysbaric osteonecrosis.