Abstract: Objective According to the measurement data of cervical vertebrae structure in rabbits, the animal model of cervical interbody fusion and internal fixation was established. Cervical interbody fusion was observed at different time points. 
Methods Thirty-six healthy male New Zealand white rabbits(2.0-2.5 kg) were selected and randomly divided into groups A, B, C and D, with 9 rabbits in each group. Group A was used to measure the structure of cervical vertebrae in rabbits. The models in group B, C, and D were treated with cervical intervertebral bone grafting fusion and internal fixation, and the bone graft material was rabbit iliac bone. General observation, X-ray examination, manual palpation testing, and micro-computed tomography(Micro-CT) were performed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the operation. 
Results There were significant differences in the length of the vertebral body, sagittal diameter of lower vertebral body, and oblique diameter of lower vertebral body from C2 to C6(P＜0.01). X-ray examination showed that in group B, C, and D, bone grafting was sufficient, plate and screw placement was good, and screw loosening and screw withdrawal occurred in only 1 case after surgery. The results of manual palpation showed that the cervical fusion rates in group B, C, and D were 22.2%(2/9), 55.6%(5/9), and 88.9%(8/9), respectively. The ratio of the volume of new bone to the total volume of implant material and X-ray score in group C were higher than those in group B, and the BV/TV and X-ray scores in group D were higher than those in group B and C, with statistically significant differences(P＜0.01). 
Conclusion The method of establishing the anterior cervical interbody fusion model in rabbits is simple, which can provide a reliable animal model for the study of cervical interbody fusion.

Key words: cervical vertebrae, spinal fusion, models, animal, rabbits