The effect of denervation on bony overgrowth after below knee amputation in rats.

Bony overgrowth of amputated limbs of children is an infrequent but difficult problem. This article presents the hypothesis that the bony overgrowth is under nerve control and may represent an abortive form of partial limb regeneration. Tested in young rats, denervation produces a significant reduction in the mass and length of the bony overgrowth and a reduced rate of periosteal cell mitosis.