Related Experiment Videos
Histologic analysis of prefabricated, vascularized bone grafts: an experimental study in rabbits
1Istanbul Cranioplast, Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery Clinic, Turkey. Cranioplast@Turk.net
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the cellular quality of prefabricated bone grafts.
Materials And 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.
Conclusion:
The findings support the concept that prefabricated bone grafts are a potentially useful source for bony reconstruction.