Maximum hypothermic ischemia in replants containing muscular tissue.

Excision and replantation of the latissimus dorsi muscle of the rabbit was done after various periods of hypothermic ischemia (5 degrees C). Sections studied under the light microscope were classified as having minimal changes, slight degenerative changes, severe degenerative changes, or necrosis. In all sections of the 24-hour group total or nearly total necrosis was found. In the 5-, 8-, and 16-hour groups slight degenerative changes and severe degenerative changes, with a severe reactive proliferation of fibroblasts were seen. A sliding scale was found in which severe degenerative changes were seen more often as ischemia time lasted longer. No statistical significance was found between the various groups.