Skeletal fixation in the rabbit knee transplantation model.

The immature rabbit knee model for epiphyseal plate transplantations has been used by a number of investigators. Rigid fixation of the femoral osteosynthesis has been difficult to achieve reliably. This paper describes a new technique for obtaining consistent and satisfactory skeletal fixation in this model. The tibia was internally fixed with an ASIF/AO four-hole minifragment plate. The femur was fixed with a 2.4 mm Steinman pin supplemented with two 26 gauge stainless steel interosseous wire loops placed at right angles to each other.