Forty-four rabbits were operated on when five weeks old; in one group a 2 mm drill-hole was made in the intercondylar portion of the right femur across the central portion of the growth plate up to the diaphysis, while in the other group a similar drill-hole of 3.2 mm was made. At 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks after operation, specimens from the growth plates of both femora were analysed using radiographic, microradiographic, histological and histomorphometric techniques. It was found that destruction of 7% of the cross-sectional area of the growth plate caused permanent growth disturbance and shortening of the femur.
Ultrastructural alterations in pancreatic acini from six patients operated for acute necrotizing pancreatitis are described. One of the patients suffered from biliary tract disease, the rest had excessive alcohol intake as the presumed aetiology. Areas of the pancreatic parenchyma showing oedematous inflammation in light microscopy were studied in the electron microscope. Findings in acinar cells included changes in zymogen granules and an increased autophagocytosis in addition to unspecific organelle alterations. Zymogen granules showed increase in size and number, loss or variation of electron-density and peripheral dissolution. Increased autophagic activity was indicated by several autophagic vacuoles and residual bodies. Acinar lumina were dilated showing effacement of microvilli and invaginations in the luminal plasma membrane of the acinar cells. In acinar lumina and in the interstitium fibrillar material was observed, with an increasing frequency in those areas showing severe cellular disintegration. These findings suggest: 1) an increased activity of zymogen granules, 2) an increased autophagocytosis, and 3) penetration of acinar luminal contents into the interstitium.
Osteotomies of the distal femur in 19 rabbits were operatively fixed with totally biodegradable implants. Radiographic, histological, microradiographic, and oxytetracycline-labeling studies showing healing of the osteotomy within 6 weeks. The fixation proved stable sufficiently during healing of the osteotomized bone. The osteotomies united without delay and malalignment did not occur, although no external support was used and the rabbits were allowed to walk freely after the operation. Successful use of the biodegradable fixation developed in the present study was reported recently for the treatment of fractures of the ankle.
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