[Behavior of artificially produced defects in the epiphyseal plate of rabbits after transplantation of autologous and homologous rib cartilage].

In the first part of this study one could demonstrate that a defined mechanical traumatization of the distal epiphyseal plate of femur produced a constant development of bone fossilization which united the epiphysis to the metaphysis as a histopathological substract. In the second part--a correspondingly set-up defect--on the opposite side of the distal epiphyseal plate femur was filled up either by an autogeneous or homogeneous cartilage from the rib of a rabbit. The autogeneous rib transplantations were in this connection in a good position to prevent a partial bone-bridge-development between the epiphysis and metaphysis. The homogeneous transplantations showed some bone fossilizations, on the whole though satisfactory results with regard to the prevention of a partial obstruction could be obtained.