Longitudinal growth of the rabbit femur after vascular and periosteal interference

Results are presented of a radiological study with metallic implants concerning the growth in length of the rabbit femur following longitudinal sectioning of the periosteum, with and without stripping, circumferential periosteal division, with and without stripping, and vascular interference. Periosteal sectioning (except in the case of longitudinal sectioning) had the effect of increasing the ultimate length of the femur. The distal epiphysial plate was stimulated after longitudinal sectioning with stripping; both growth plates were stimulated after circumferential periosteal sectioning, with and without stripping. This stimulation was evident until fairly late in the growth period. There are no indications for any inhibition during the last phase of growth. Experimental interference of the subchondral vascularisation had no effect, whilst ligation of the nutrient artery had only a very limited curbing effect on the longitudinal growth due to restraining of the proximal growth plate. It was concluded that the growth stimulation following periosteal damage cannot be the result of vascular interference the diaphysial area. It was hypothesized that the periosteum plays a role as a local regulatory factor in the fine regulation of the growth of the epiphysial plates, acting as an intermediary and transmitting mechanical stimuli generated by other local factors to the epiphysial plates.