Behavior of cortical bone grafts under different types of fixation.

The fate of cortical bone grafts, rigidly fixed by means of a special metal splint, was studied in rabbits. Cortical grafts of fresh autologous bone were compared with dry-stored allogenous transplants frozen to -20 degrees C. To study the incorporation and remodeling, fluorochrome labeling and microradiography were used. The main parameters of remodeling were the quantities of old lamellar bone, newly formed lamellar bone, and vascular spaces present in the transplant areas. The data obtained are compared with the results of a previous similar study of grafts, which were fixed by Mersilene sutures. Fresh autologous as well as allogenous (dry-stored, frozen to -20 degrees C) cortical bone grafts, used as free transplants, show the same type of incorporation and ultimately the same amount of remodeling. Rigid fixation is a valuable contribution in promoting primary function.