[Reparative processes of experimental Aitken III lesion. An animal experiment study]

This present study describes the fine structural aspects of experimentally induced defects of the proximal growth plate of the tibia in rabbits as simulation of epi-/methaphyseal fractures. We evaluated two different defect sizes. As important result we find in narrow defects of 0.5 mm no osseous bridging of the epiphyseal plate whereas with 2 mm defects there is partial transphyseal closure. Growth plate cartilage is thus capable of repairing spontaneously smaller defects.