Experimental Osteochondritis of the Femoral Head

Abstract

The etiology of osteochondritis of the head of the femur has never been proved clinically or experimentally. The theories may be grouped under the headings of infection (Kidner, McWhorter, Phemister), circulatory disturbances (Axhausen, Leriche and Policard, Bentzon, Zeimansky and Lipmann), and mal-development (Calot and Mürk Jansen). The second of the theories seemed the most likely, consequently it was tested by experiments in dogs and rabbits in which the circulation of the head of the femur was interfered with, and the bony changes were noted from time to time, to see if they might similate those of the human disease known as osteochondritis (Legg-Calvé-Perthe's disease).

Seven dogs from 2 to 4 months old and 16 rabbits from 2 to 3 months old were divided into 4 groups. They were operated upon aseptically and 4 different degrees of interruption of the vascular supply of one femoral head instituted. Roentgenograms were made shortly after the operation and at the time of the autopsy. Autopsies were performed at periods varying from 2 weeks to 4 1/2 months after operation. Cultures were taken from the hip joints operated upon, and the upper ends of both femurs were removed for gross and microscopic study. Group I. Two dogs and 4 rabbits. The round ligament of one hip joint was severed. All of the animals treated with this method developed dislocation of the operated hip within one month and, therefore, were discarded. Those treated by the other methods did not present this complication. Group II. Three dogs. Alcohol was injected into the periosteum of the neck of the femur. Gross and microscopic examination of the specimens showed that the bone and cartilage of the femoral head remained normal.