Growth in revascularized bone grafts in young puppies.

The results of microvascular transfers of growing ulnas in puppy forelegs have been studied. These transfers were carried out both heterotopically and orthotopically. The growth in the revascularized bone grafts has been compared to that in heterotopic, nonvascularized ulna transfers and to normal ulnar growth. The growth in the vascularized bone grafts was significantly greater than in the nonvascularized grafts, but significantly less than in normal ulnar growth. A metaphyseal contribution to the blood supply of the growing portion of long bones is suggested.