Osteogenesis by periosteal transplant. Experimental study of spinal fusion in rats.

Autogenous transplantation of periosteum was performed in 60 rats. Periosteum was transferred from the femur to the spinal column in the region of thoracic vertebra 8 to lumbar vertebra 2. Follow-up included histological examination and microradiography. New bone formation occurred late and the bones were of a heterotopic nature; a solid arthrodesis was not achieved. Free periosteal grafts do not exhibit the relatively predictable behavior of periosteal flaps. Greater understanding at the biomolecular level may be required before free periosteal grafts can be introduced into routine clinical practice.