Analysis of growth plate abnormalities following intraosseous infusion through the proximal tibial epiphysis in pigs.

Intraosseous infusion has become an increasingly popular technique for vascular access in critically ill or injured children. Continuing acceptance of this procedure by physicians and possibly by prehospital personnel may lead to inadvertent placement through the immature growth plate. In our study, we intentionally penetrated the epiphyseal plate with the intraosseous needle and infused fluids in order to observe what complications, if any, might arise from this procedure. Twenty pigs 3 to 4 weeks old had a bone marrow aspiration needle introduced into the medullary cavity through the tibial epiphysis under fluoroscopic visualization. Sodium bicarbonate at 2 mEq/kg (n = 10) or 0.9 normal saline at 2 mL/kg (n = 10) was infused through the intraosseous needle. Radiographs of the involved growth plates were taken at two months and six months after infusion. No growth disturbances or growth plate abnormalities were detected clinically or radiographically through the rapid growth phase of the porcine tibia. Therefore, we believe that intraosseous infusion is a safe method of alternative vascular access associated with no significant growth defects despite injury to the developing growth plate from placement and infusion.