-
Discussion:
-
epiphyseal artery
-
metaphyseal artery
-
nutrient artery
-
periosteal vessels
- see
tibia bone circulation
- Pediatric Bone Circulation:
- circulation in pediatric bone:
- differs from adult circulation due to requirements of growth & presence of
epiphyseal plate;
- terminal branches of
nutrient artery, along w/
metaphyseal vessels, approach growth plate in a parallel relationship;
- branches are so numerous as they reach growth plate that there is almost one vessel for each column of cartilage cells;
- in final few mm before terminal arteriole reaches cartilage, it is encased in a tube of enchondral bone;
- as vessel extends to end of cartilage column, it makes abrupt 180 deg turn to enter larger venule;
- slowing of the circulation may permit lodging & proliferation of bacteria to produce focus of
hematogenous osteomyelitis;
- function of
metaphyseal blood supply (metaphyseal side of
growth plate) is to provide nutrition for active cells involved in
enchondral ossification;
-
epiphyseal vessels are essential for they supply dividing cells of growth plate & hence are responsible for maintaining longitudinal bone growth;
The acute effects of periosteal stripping and medullary reaming on regional bone blood flow.
