Experimental study of the osteogenic capacity of periosteal allografts: a preliminary report.

A total of 16 rabbits were used in this investigation. Beijing long-eared white rabbits served as donors and immunologically incompatible Chinchilla rabbits as recipients. Periosteal flaps were stripped from the femurs of 8 donor rabbits and implanted into the muscles of both thighs of 8 recipients. Revascularization of the grafts was done only on the left side. Immunosuppressants were administered orally beginning the day of surgery. The animals were observed for 1-4 months. A series of radiography, histomorphology, fluorochrome labelling, and electron microscopic examinations were performed. The results demonstrated that all of the revascularized periosteal allografts had new bone formation (8/8), while the nonrevascularized periosteal allografts had none (0/8). The difference in the rate of new bone formation between the two groups was statistically significant.