The development of centres of ossification of bones forming elbow joints in young swine

Epiphyseal centres of ossification in the bones forming the elbow joints of pigs between one day and 15 weeks of age were examined radiographically, macroscopically, mesoscopically and microscopically. Thoracic limbs from 39 pigs were perfused with India ink or silicone rubber injection compound and the bones were dissected free of soft tissues. The humerus, ulna and radius were fixed in formalin or ethyl alcohol and then cleared by the modified Spalteholz technique. Bones were radiographed, examined grossly, and then cut into slabs for mesoscopical evaluation. Foci considered to be calcifying within cartilaginous anlage were selected for microscopical examination. It was concluded that the epiphyseal centre of ossification develops at different times in different sites in the bones forming the elbow joint. Centres of ossification are initiated when foci of chondrocytes adjacent to one side of a cartilage canal undergo hypertrophy and the inter-territorial matrix becomes calcified. Osteogenesis then proceeds in the calcified focus, presumably with osteoprogenitor cells that originate within the cartilage canals. Subsequently, each epiphyseal centre of ossification enlarges by one of two methods. Firstly, the layer of cartilage adjacent to the centre undergoes endochondral ossification, thus allowing for the circumferential growth of the epiphyseal centre of ossification. Secondly, foci of calcification develop adjacent to the ends of cartilage canals near the epiphyseal centre of ossification and eventually the focus of calcification coalesces with the developing epiphyseal centre of ossification, thus establishing a new ossification front. Endochondral ossification continues at the periphery of the mass of bone. Mesoscopical examination is more useful than radiographical evaluation for identifying small foci of calcification which precede epiphyseal centres of ossification.