The effects of subluxation of the femoral head with avascular necrosis in growing rabbits.

To validate the adverse effects of subluxation of the femoral head in Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, the authors made an experimental model of Perthes disease with subluxation in growing rabbits by interrupting the epiphyseal artery (devascularization) and immobilizing the knee in extension (immobilization). Seventy-two rabbits, 4 to 5 weeks old, were divided into three groups: group A with both devascularization and immobilization (25 rabbits), group B with devascularization only (25 rabbits), and group C with immobilization only (22 rabbits). In each experimental group, four to six rabbits each were killed at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. After reviewing the serial radiographs and gross specimens, the authors found six radiologic and six macroscopic abnormalities. The incidence and the severity of deformity in group A rabbits were higher than that of groups B or C in terms of the overall incidence of deformities (P <0.001), head deformity scores (P <0.001), and the incidence of a total collapse of the capital femoral epiphysis. In conclusion, subluxation of the immature femoral head with avascular necrosis in rabbits increased femoral head deformities.