Effects of free perichondrial graft replacement of epiphyseal cartilage on bone growth.
An experimental study in 24 lambs was carried out to find an alternative tissue for the distal epiphyseal cartilage of the femur. The animals were divided into three groups. In the first group (n = 12) the left femoral distal epiphyseal cartilage was completely removed and replaced by a free perichondrial graft taken from the distal half of the scapula. In the second group (n = 6) the epiphyseal cartilage was removed and was not replaced by any tissue. The third group (n = 6) was used as control. After six months the legs in the first and third groups were of the same normal length while the legs in the second group were significantly shorter. We conclude that free perichondrial graft seems to be able to replace the epiphyseal cartilage and prevent retardation of growth.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ankara University Medical Faculty, Turkey.
S M
SM
Gültan
M
M
Emiroglou
I S
IS
Cenetoglou
E
E
Yormuk
D000818:Animals; D001846:Bone Development / Q000502:physiology*; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D005269:Femur / Q000254:growth & development / Q000601:surgery*; D006132:Growth Plate / Q000502:physiology*; D006614:Hindlimb; D008297:Male; D012756:Sheep