Reconstruction of the growing cricoid with a composite graft of demineralized bovine bone and autogenous perichondrium; a comparative study in rabbits.

In growing rabbits, the feasibility of a new type of composite graft for the reconstruction of defects in the cricoid ring is studied. This graft consists of Demineralized Bovine Bone matrix (DBBM) enfolded in a perichondrial flap. The cartilage formed in the DBBM by cells, derived from the perichondrium, is demonstrated to provide a valuable substitute for resected parts of the cricoid. A specific feature of this reconstruction is that it allows further growth and does not result in a secondary stenosis during later development.