Observations on Pedicle Bone Grafts in Goats: Vascular Connections between Soft Tissues and Bones

Abstract

Twenty-six pedicled bone segments were prepared, the segments being derived from different bones in goats. The pedicles consisted of either muscle, or skin or both. The animals' vascular systems were filled with indian ink immediately after preparation of the pedicled bone segments. Samples of the pedicles and of the bone segments were studied histologically. Filling of the vascular bed of the otherwise isolated bone segments was good through muscle pedicles, but poor through skin pedicles. The clinical conclusion is that, when necessary and where practical, muscle pedicle bone grafts, with permanent or temporary pedicle, should be used, and that good results can be expected.