The adaptation of perimuscular connective tissue during distraction osteogenesis

It is not known whether the decreased range of motion observed during distraction osteogenesis results from the lack of adaptation of muscle or from fibrosis in the perimysium. The adaptation of the perimysium in the tibialis anterior muscle in skeletally immature rabbits using two distraction regimens (0.7 and 1.4 mm/day with 15% lengthening) was characterized. The resulting data indicate that during distraction osteogenesis, the muscle adapts by reorganization of its connective tissue. At a lengthening rate of 1.4 mm/day, there is perimysial fibrosis without major cellular pathologic abnormalities in the muscle fibers. The increase in perimysial thickness is characterized by an increase of collagen Type I. In addition, collagen Type I is deposited around the endomysium. The increase in total collagen and its cross-linking are dependent on the lengthening rate. The faster lengthening rate also leads to a significant decreased passive plantar flexion. Supplemental growth of the tibia was not observed, and a lack of adaptation in the muscle (based on resting length) was not seen. Together, the data suggest that decreased range of motion during distraction osteogenesis may be a function of the adaptation of the perimysium rather than of the muscle fibers.