The osteogenic capacity of the vascularized periosteum autograft has been extensively demonstrated by experimental works. The objective of this study was to characterize the behavior of experimental model of vascularized periosteal flap(VPF) by observ...
The osteogenic capacity of the vascularized periosteum autograft has been extensively demonstrated by experimental works. The objective of this study was to characterize the behavior of experimental model of vascularized periosteal flap(VPF) by observing sequential stages of osteogenesis after simulated VPF in rabbits. In experimental group, segmental resection of bone including the periosteum was performed in 22 radii of 22 New Zealand white rabbits preserving the periosteal circulation of median artery to the periosteum. In order to simulate the transplantation of VPF, the vascular pedicle consisting of median artery and veins was dissected from adjacent soft tissue and the periosteum was longitudinally incised to remove the bone followed by repair of the periosteum. From the first to sixteenth week after the simulated VPF, the changes in VPFs were observed by radiological, light microscopical, scanning electron microscopical methods and the activity of osteocalcin was measured by immunohistochemical method. In control group, the bone tissue and periosteum were completely removed from the mid-shaft of radius and the findings were observed by radiological and light microscopical methods. From the results of this study, it is demonstrated that the experimental model of VPF is vigorously and uniformly osteogenic. Therefore it is thought that VPF can be used as a measure to treat bone defect of shaft of long bone.