Shaped regeneration of rabbit ear perichondrium.

The neocartilage that regenerated from the ear perichondrium in 18 growing rabbits was shaped using biodegradable implants. The animals were divided into two groups according to the operation used. In group 1 a self-reinforced polyglycolic acid (SR-PGA) rod was placed inside a perichondrial pocket on the dorsum of the ear and surrounded by blood clot, and in group 2 a flap of ear perichondrium was shaped around an SR-PGA rod. Samples were taken for histological examination six weeks after the operation. Active growth of neocartilage was seen in both groups and the SR-PGA rod had successfully guided the perichondrial regeneration in most of the animals.