Neochondrogenesis in free intraarticular periosteal autografts in an immobilized and paralyzed limb. An experimental investigation in the rabbit.
The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether neochondrogenesis can be induced in free intraarticular autografts of periosteum in the complete absence of motion. In 17 adolescent rabbits, a rectangular graft of periosteum was elevated from the medial aspect of each proximal tibia and folded back on itself so that its deep (cambium) layer was facing outward on both sides. The grafts were transplanted into both ipsilateral knee joints that had been paralyzed by section of the femoral and sciatic nerves, and a cast was applied to one hind limb to provide immobilization. The opposite knee joint of each animal was then placed in the continuous passive motion (CPM) apparatus. At the time of death (21 days postoperatively), some degree of neochondrogenesis was evident in 69% of the grafts in the group with casts and in 100% of the grafts in the CPM group. Hyaline cartilage was the predominant tissue in 13% of the grafts in the group with casts compared to 63% of the grafts in the CPM group. Although this investigation has confirmed the chondrogenic potential of free periosteal grafts in a synovial fluid environment (and the significantly stimulating effect of CPM), the results have also demonstrated that at least some hyaline cartilage can be formed by periosteal grafts even with paralysis of the limb plus immobilization of the joint (presumably complete immobilization). Thus, other factors capable of stimulating neochondrogenesis warrant investigation.
Delaney
J P
JP
Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
O'Driscoll
S W
SW
Salter
R B
RB
D000818:Animals; D002356:Cartilage / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000601:surgery; D007103:Immobilization / Q000502:physiology*; D015915:Motion Therapy, Continuous Passive; D010521:Periosteum / Q000637:transplantation*; D011817:Rabbits; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous