Effect of Diaphyseal Injury on the Proximal Growth Zone of the Tibia in Rabbits

Abstract

In 130 growing chinchilla rabbits, the effect of various diaphyseal injuries -periosteal stripping, cortical drilling and fracture - on the growth plate and the metaphysis of the tibia was studied histologically and radiographically and with the aid of ⁵¹Cr labelled erythrocytes and the ³⁵Sr isotope. It was found that the disturbed circulation and the venous stasis may have a marked effect on osteogenesis and bone growth but other factors are probably also involved. in the early stage after the injury an increase in the ground substance, widening of the zone of germinative and proliferative cells in the growth plate and a reticular arrangement of the bony trabeculae in the metaphysis were observed. in the late stage, along with a return to normal circulation, normalization of the osteogenesis and bone growth was also found.

Key Words:

• circulatory disturbance
• diaphyseal injury
• growth cartilage
• metaphysis
• radioactive isotopes