Maximum hypothermic ischemia in replants containing muscular tissue

Excision and replantation of the latissimus dorsi muscle of the rabbit was done after various periods of hypothermic ischemia (5° C). Sections studied under the light microscope were classified as having minimal changes, slight degenerative changes, severe degenerative changes, or necrosis. In all sections of the 24-hour group total or nearly total necrosis was found. In the 5-, 8-, and 16-hour groups slight degenerative changes and severe degenerative changes, with a severe reactive proliferation of fibroblasts were seen. A sliding scale was found in which severe degenerative changes were seen more often as ischemia time lasted longer. No statistical significance was found between the various groups.