[Revascularization of devitalized cortical segments under stabilizing encircling wires]

In 10 adult mongrel dogs isolated cortical fragments of the diaphysis of the radius were reimplanted and stabilized by encircling wires. The changes in the pattern of vascularization and the revitalization of the avascular fragment were investigated by microangiography. The revascularization arose from the medullary vessels that penetrated the avascular fragment. The fracture gap was bridged by intracortical anastomoses. After 6 weeks fracture healing was noted and the vessels showed a restoration of the physiologic pattern of vascularization.