PURPOSE: We investigated if there was any change of the growth plate after recovery of bone length by distraction osteogenesis in the shortened long bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three groups of 15 immature rabbits underwent shortening osteotomy of their right tibia by 20, 30, 40%, with minimal injury to the surrounding soft tissue, and distraction osteogenesis was performed to recover the original length. Radiographic, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical studies were done to evaluate the activity of the growth plate. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the lengths of both tibiae when the rabbits became mature. Three groups also showed no difference in the activity of the growth plate regardless of the amount of lengthening. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that distraction osteogenesis to recover the original length of bone does not disturb the physeal growth activity if the soft tissue envelope remains intact.
Growth Plate* ; Osteogenesis, Distraction* ; Osteotomy ; Rabbits ; Tibia*