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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Calvarial Model of Bone Augmentation in Rabbit for Assessment of Bone Growth and Neovascularization in Bone Substitution Materials
Published on: August 13, 2019
Osteogenesis of prefabricated vascularized periosteal graft in rabbits
Alvin Chao-Yu Chen1, Song-Shu Lin, Yi-Sheng Chan
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taiwan, Republic of China. alvinchen@adm.cgmh.org.tw
Background:
The role of vascularized periosteum flap as a graft and the factors stimulating it into osteogenic activity remain obscure. Few articles recognized its osteogenic process without the dependence of stress stimulation or bony contact.
Methods:
We analyzed the osteogenic capacity of the vascularized periosteum in an ectopic site via the method of histomorphologic assessment. Pedicled vascularized periosteum was taken from the proximal tibia in rabbits and transferred to the soft tissue pouch in the distal thigh. Specimen was harvested for osteogenesis assessment at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks.
Results:
During macroscopic examination, all rabbits were dissected along the previous surgical wound in the distal femur. Dense osseous-like tissue was found in the prefabricated vascularized periosteum. The tissue sections showed red-mineralized matrix of Alizarin Red S staining increased neovascularization.
Conclusions:
The study results revealed the osteogenic capacity of prefabricating vascularized periosteum without the dependence of stress stimulation or its proximity to viable bone.

