The early vascularization of an autogenous bone inlay into an artificial defect in the rabbit mandibula

The revascularization of two different autogenous bone grafts to an artificial defect in the rabbit mandibula was studied by means of microangiography, using Indian ink infusion into the carotid artery. The revascularization was compared between a longitudinally split autogenous humeral full thickness bone graft in 19 rabbits and autogenous full bone grafts from the iliac crest in 14 rabbits. The vascular pattern and ingrowth was followed at weekly intervals right to the end of the first month postoperatively. A progressive revascularization was found in both grafts investigated. The periosteum of the humeral graft was earlier and more completely revascularized than when an iliac graft was used. The penetration and downgrowth of capillaries were on the other hand more complete within the iliac graft. The vascular pattern is discussed with special reference to the osteogenesis in the bone grafts.