The effect of periosteal resection on tibial growth velocity measured by microtransducer technology in lambs.

Background: Disruption of the periosteum, whether traumatic or elective, has long been known to accelerate growth in the developing skeleton. However, the extent, timing, and mechanism of the resultant increase in growth velocity (if any) remain undefined. The primary research questions were: Does periosteal resection result in a change (increase) in growth velocity of a long bone at the growth plate? When does the effect start after the resection and for how long? Finally, which of several cellular mechanisms is most likely responsible for the change in growth velocity?

Methods: Five lambs underwent proximal tibial growth plate periosteal resection with subsequent measurement of growth velocity by implantable microtransducers or fluorochrome labeling. This former technique provided real-time growth velocity data with a resolution of about 10 microm (width of a proliferative zone chondrocyte). These measurements were accurate at up to 4 weeks postoperative, as verified by fluorochrome labeling, and radiographic measurement. Two lambs were continued on the study for an additional 3 weeks. Histomorphometric and stereological assessments of chondrocytic kinetic parameters were performed on control and experimental tibiae after euthanasia.

Results: Periosteal resection increased growth velocity in every lamb, at every time point, and in a consistent and sustained manner. Histomorphometric correlation to this phenomenon indicated that the cellular basis of this acceleration was most likely the result of hypertrophic chondrocyte axial elongation rather than changes in chondrocyte proliferation, magnitude of hypertrophic chondrocytic swelling, or increased matrix production.

Conclusions: Periosteal resection creates immediate and sustained acceleration of growth resulting from axial elongation of the hypertrophic chondrocyte. Although the increase in growth velocity was consistent, the absolute magnitude of the acceleration suggests that periosteal resection be considered as an adjunct to other primary procedures. Periosteal resection may serve as a useful clinical adjunct to provide a modest growth stimulus in cases of hemihypertrophy or angular limb deformity or to counteract the growth inhibition seen when performing distraction osteogenesis.