Histologic analysis of prefabricated, vascularized bone grafts: an experimental study in rabbits.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the cellular quality of prefabricated bone grafts.


METHODS
Small pieces of iliac bone were placed around the neurovascular bundle on the dorsal aspect of the ear of 11 one-month-old baby rabbits to create a prefabricated vascularized graft. In five animals, the prefabricated bone grafts were harvested for histologic examination 12 months later. In a second group of 6 rabbits, the prefabricated bone grafts, with the neurovascular bundle as a pedicle, were transferred after 30 days to a defect created by removing 1 cm of the midportion of zygoma on the right side of the face. The transferred bone was removed for histologic examination 11 months later.


RESULTS
In both groups, microscopic examination showed the presence of a rich, vascular network and similar histologic characteristics to those of normal iliac bone.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings support the concept that prefabricated bone grafts are a potentially useful source for bony reconstruction.
Celik
M
M
Istanbul Cranioplast, Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery Clinic, Turkey. Cranioplast@Turk.net
Tuncer
S
S
Emekli
U
U
Kesim
S N
SN
D000818:Animals; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D004431:Ear, External / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation; D011817:Rabbits; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D015050:Zygoma / Q000601:surgery