Acute haematogenous osteomyelitis: II. The effect of a metaphyseal abscess on the surrounding blood supply.

Three major vessel types--metaphyseal, epiphyseal and transphyseal vessels--were identified in the region of the growth plate following perfusion of the vasculature of the chicken leg with a solution of Berlin Blue. Following the production of osteomyelitis, obstruction to the blood supply adjacent to the abscess was rapid and was clearly demonstrated due to a lack of perfusion of the involved vessels with Berlin Blue. The extent of disturbance to the blood supply was dependent on the type of vessel involved in the inflammatory process. The efficacy of bloodstream therapy is discussed in relation to these findings.