Histologic analysis of prefabricated, vascularized bone grafts: An experimental study in rabbits

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the cellular quality of prefabricated bone grafts. Materials and Methods: Small pieces of iliac bone were placed around the neurovascular bundle on the dorsal aspect of the ear of 11 one-month-old baby rabbits to create a prefabricated vascularized graft. In five animals, the prefabricated bone grafts were harvested for histologic examination 17 months later. In a second group of 6 rabbits, the prefabricated bone grafts, with the neurovascular bundle as a pedicle, were transferred after 30 days to a defect created by removing 1 cm of the midportion of zygoma on the right side of the face. The transferred bone Nas removed for histologic examination 11 months later. Results: In both groups, microscopic examination showed the presence of a rich, vascular network and similar histologic characteristics to those of normal iliac bone. Conclusion: The findings support the concept that prefabricated bone grafts are a potentially useful source for bony reconstruction.