Experimental study on growth of epiphysial plate: free graft in rabbits

The growth potential of a free graft of an epiphysial plate was investigated in rabbits. Two epiphysial plate grafts were harvested from each iliac crest. One was grafted to the head (onto bone) and the other to the ear (onto cartilage). Both of the epiphysial plates enlarged to a maximum height of 1.4 cm and became similar to iliac crests. Enchondral ossification was observed up till approximately 28 weeks of age. We conclude that an epiphysial plate has growth potential after free heterotopic transplantation.