Fig. (1) Representative example of the morphological phenotype of ovine BM derived MSC (A). BM MNCs were cultured in vitro and stained with Toluidine Blue at day 14 (20x). Gelfoam is a naturally occurring scaffold derived from purified porcine gelatin, with a sponge– like appearance (B). Surgical creation of a growth plate defect and transplantation of Gelfoam scaffold. A medial longitudinal incision was made over the proximal tibia. The growth plate can be visualised as the thin white line running along the bottom of the defect. An approximately 1 cm² excision was made to the growth plate (arrow) using a small dental burr (C). Transplanted Gelfoam scaffold within the growth plate defect (arrow) (D). As the scaffold is absorbent and pliable, it can easily be placed within, and completely fill the injury site.