A model for evaluating the strength of bones lengthened by distraction osteogenesis

In an effort to evaluate the strength of bones lengthened by distraction osteogenesis, a modified Ilizarov-type external fixator was applied to the right tibiae of five adult mongrel dogs. Diaphyseal corticotomies were performed, and distraction (lengthening) was carried out at a rate of approximately 1 mm per day for 20 days. After completion of the lengthening, the animals were killed, the fixators were removed, and the right and left tibiae were harvested and stripped of soft tissue. The ends of all harvested bones were fixated in polymethylmethacrylate to allow testing on a materials testing system (MTS) machine. Testing under torsional loads was performed on the MTS machine (50 degrees maximum angle of rotation at ten seconds) until failure. The right tibiae were lengthened an average of 12 mm (range, 7-15 mm). The slopes of the linear portion of the torque versus rotation curves were determined. A comparison of slopes revealed a mean change in stiffness between test and control bones of 20.32% (range, 0.64%-40.5%). All tibiae exhibiting mature regenerate bone demonstrated stiffness greater than the matched controls (range, 0.64-24.09% stiffer). Four of five dogs had problems with proximal and distal ring impingement. This study presents a reproducible model for evaluating the strength of bones lengthened by distraction osteogenesis. The lengthened bones that exhibited bony or mature regeneration were as strong as the control bones.