The role of the epiphyseal and metaphyseal circulations on longitudinal

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growth in the dog: an experimental study. Tomita Y. Tsai TM. Steyers C. Ogden L. Jupiter JB. Kutz JE. J Hand Surg [Am]. 11(3):375-82, 1986 May. An experimental model using the immature canine proximal fibular epiphysis was developed to isolate and investigate the effects of the epiphyseal and metaphyseal circulations on longitudinal growth. Experimental constructs studied the epiphyseal circulation, the epiphyseal and metaphyseal circulations, a devascularized growth plate, and a control group. Twenty-four limbs were studied by serial x-ray films and microangiographic and histologic analyses at time of death, 24 weeks after surgery. The data from this preliminary study show that both metaphyseal and epiphyseal circulations are necessary for predictable longitudinal growth.