The biochemical, histochemical, and histological changes occurring in the surgically stapled closing distal femoral growth plate of rats have been described and the changes demonstrated were:
1. An initial stimulation of growth, probably due to the surgical trauma of stapling, followed by a gradual decline in cell division which produces narrowing of the plate. An earlier narrowing occurs, however, which appears to be caused by disturbances in cell column alignment.
2. Despite decreased cell division, matrix production continues at a high rate, and hexosamines accumulate, perhaps to a greater extent than they normally do. This accumulation may be related to a reduction in lysosomal enzymes.