ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To study the effectiveness of chondrocyte and periosteum-derived cell transplantation in preventing bar formation in growth plate injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty immature rabbits were grouped according to site of growth plate damaged (distal femur or proximal tibia on the medial side) and type of cell and material inserted (chondrocytes plus agar, periosteum-derived cells plus agar, periosteum-derived cells plus Gelfoam, agar alone, or Gelfoam alone). Radiograms were taken for 16 weeks to measure the changes in varus angle of the distal femur and proximal tibia. Transformation of inserted cells was observed histologically. RESULTS: Rabbits inserted with agar alone showed more severe genu varum compared to those inserted with chondrocytes plus agar. Rabbits inserted with periosteum-derived cells plus agar or Gelfoam showed similar deformities compared to those inserted with agar or Gelfoam alone. Some inserted periosteum-derived cells began transformation into chondrocytes. All rabbits showed gradual bar formation and ultimate fusion of the growth plate. CONCLUSION: Cell-based therapy of growth plate injury still has obstacles to overcome. Further study will be required on how to maintain the inserted chondrocytes, or chondrocytes differentiated from the inserted periosteum-derived cells, and to prevent them from changing into osteoid formation cells.