Bone formation by revascularized periosteal and bone grafts, compared with traditional bone grafts.

Three groups of dogs were studied to compare the bone formation obtained with traditional bone grafting techniques, and that obtained with revascularized periosteum or revascularized bone grafts--all in unstressed bone. Revascularized periosteum did not produce a significant amount of bone in this unstressed model. At 4 months the revascularized rib grafts had a slightly greater tolerance to stress at the callus site than traditional bone grafts, but the incidence of non-union was the same. We conclude that the use of revascularized bone grafts should be reserved for situations in which traditional bone grafting techniques are unlikely to be successful.