THE IMPLANTATION OF CARTILAGINOUS AND PERIOSTEAL TISSUE INTO GROWTH-PLATE DEFECTS

This experimental study reports the results of implantation of cartila ginous and periosteal tissues into growth plate defects in the tibiae of sheep. When no material was used, the defect rapidly filled with ma rrow-like tissue. When cartilage from the margin of the secondary cent re of ossification was implanted, endochondral ossification continued and no shortening or deformity resulted. Implantation of periosteum wi th or without reconstructed peripheral tissues resulted in the formati on of a bony bridge which led to a 32% inhibition of longitudinal grow th and a 12-degrees varus deformity in the absence of peripheral conne ctive tissues. After reconstruction with these tissues, the inhibition of longitudinal growth was 47% with a 28-degrees varus deformity. The chondroprogenitor cells in the implanted tissues cannot change phenot ypic expression. Periosteum has a strong potential for bone formation after it has been implanted.