THE EFFECT OF EPIPHYSIAL STAPLING ON GROWTH IN LENGTH OF THE RABBIT'S TIBIA AND FEMUR

Abstract

1. Arrest of growth at one proximal tibial epiphysis of young rabbits was obtained by stapling. 2. Radiopaque markers allowed the subsequent growth of both proximal and distal epiphyses of the experimental and contralateral tibiae and of both lower femoral epiphyses to be followed radiographically. 3. The reduction in the normal deceleration of growth rate at the distal epiphysis found after epiphysiodesis of the proximal epiphysis was again observed. 4. This change in growth rate was not encountered in the distal femoral epiphysis lying adjacent to the stapled tibial epiphysis. 5. Removal of the staples after the change in growth rate had become established at the distal tibial epiphysis was followed by a return to an approximately normal growth rate by both proximal and distal epiphyses. 6. It is concluded that a direct relationship exists between the additional growth at the uninjured epiphysis and the deficiency in growth obtained at the stapled epiphysis, and that this change in growth rate is limited to the experimental tibia.