A Study of the Healing Process Following Operative Interference with the Continuity of the Rat Maxilla

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Abstract
A study was undertaken to ascertain whether the maxilla of the rat, following exptl. removal of a thin segment of bone to simulate fracture, heals by fibrous or by bony union. In 6 male albino rats a dental bur was employed to cut a slot approx. half-way througn the zygomatic process extending anteriorly from the free edge of its posterior border. Radiographs were taken before and after surgery, and following sacrifice which took place at intervals of 6 and 9 weeks and 3, 4, 5 and 6 months. Serial sections in a frontal plane were prepd. of each head. The radiographic and histologic evidence showed that operative interference with the continuity of the rat maxilla, in which the factors of infection, mobilization and apposition of the fracture ends were eliminated, the healing process results in bony union. There was no evidence of a cartilaginous callus stage. The sites of new bone formation which repair the defect are: (1) the periosteum, (2) the endosteum, (3) the connective tissue callus. The end results in the presence of infection are bony union in spite of osteomyelitis.

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