Healing of large surgical defects of the epiphysial plate. An experimental study

In this experimental study using 37 rabbits, the growth and the regeneration potential of the distal femoral epiphysial plate were studied by creating a large surgical defect in the central part of the plate and filling it with a free fat graft. The results evaluated by radiography and histology show that fat grafting makes it possible to restore the main part of the longitudinal growth of the bone compared with a normal bone (p < 0.01) or the bone injured but left without fat grafting (p < 0.001). Regeneration of the growth plate was demonstrated histologically and in radiographs. Parts of the epiphysial cartilage continue the growth symmetrically without deforming the joint contours. The results of this study suggest that in clinical situations it is possible to restore at least part of the longitudinal growth of the bone and prevent joint deformity by bridge resection even in cases of extensive epiphysial injuries.