Growth plate reconstruction using chondrocyte allograft transplants.

There is, as yet, no successful replacement for a completely damaged physis. In a test of the usefulness of allograft replacement of the plate, growth plate chondrocytes were transplanted to a defect in the proximal tibial growth plate. The defect remained after resection of a bony bridge that was created in rabbits. Seven of 10 rabbits at 3 weeks and six of 8 rabbits at 6 weeks after transplantation showed resumption of growth and prevented progression of the tibial deformity. Killed epiphyseal cells, on the other hand, were rapidly replaced by bone. It is not clear whether the transplanted live cells actually grew or served as a living, but inert filler.