[Experimental study of the reaction of bone to change in blood flow]

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of blood flow on bone of the lower limb experimentally. The femoral vein and artery were ligated in five to 7 week-old rabbits. The proximal thigh was then tied using an elastic cord with a 7 Kg weight. Two weeks later, local blood flow was measured by means of the hydrogen washout technique. Blood flow to the femoral diaphyseal marrow and tibial periosteum was elevated, while that to the remaining parts of the limb was reduced. After sacrificing the animals, radiographic and histological examinations were conducted. The femur and tibiofibula on the operated side were shortened. Endosteal bone formation and periosteal bone resorption were found in the femur, while periosteal bone formation were observed in the tibiofibula. The changes in blood flow were suggested to cause different reactions of the periosteum and endosteum.