The effects of intraosseous infusion on the growth plate in a nestling rabbit model.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that saline or bicarbonate infusion does not damage the growth plate in a nestling rabbit model.


METHODS
Animal laboratory.


METHODS
In this prospective study, 22 tibias from nestling rabbits were randomized into control, puncture-only, physiologic saline, or bicarbonate infusion groups and killed three and five days after treatment for evaluation of injury.


METHODS
Bone injury was evaluated by microradiograph and by decalcified and undecalcified histology.


RESULTS
Radiographs demonstrated loss of trabecular (ie, calcified) bone after infusion of both saline and bicarbonate solutions. Although no histologic damage to the cell lines of the growth plate was seen, newly formed bone trabeculae were seen in both infusion groups, suggesting injury and repair at sites of infusion. These findings were absent in control and puncture-only groups. No histologic or radiographic differences were seen between saline and bicarbonate infusions.


CONCLUSIONS
The nestling rabbit provides a good animal model for evaluating the effects of intraosseous infusion on growing long bones and cartilage. Saline and bicarbonate infusions did not damage morphologically the metaphyseal growth plate but did cause loss of bone trabeculae that support the growth plate. The injury appeared to be repaired rapidly in these nestling rabbits.
Dedrick
D K
DK
Section of Emergency Services, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Mase
C
C
Ranger
W
W
Burney
R E
RE
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001639:Bicarbonates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000139:chemically induced; D006132:Growth Plate / Q000187:drug effects*; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D008852:Microradiography; D011817:Rabbits; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013977:Tibia
D001639:Bicarbonates; D012965:Sodium Chloride