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Updated: May 17, 2026
An Efficient and Reproducible Protocol for Distraction Osteogenesis in a Rat Model Leading to a Functional Regenerated Femur
Published on: October 23, 2017
Over 10-year follow-up of functional outcome in patients with bone tumors reconstructed using distraction
Koji Watanabe1, Hiroyuki Tsuchiya, Norio Yamamoto
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan.
Background:
The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term functional capabilities of patients who underwent bone distraction for the treatment of bone defects caused by bone tumor excision.
Methods:
Bone distraction was indicated for patients with stage IIB malignant bone tumors when chemotherapy was judged to be effective and an epiphysis could be preserved or for patients with low-grade or aggressive benign bone tumors. Twenty-two patients who underwent reconstruction with bone distraction and were followed up for at least 10 years were retrospectively investigated. Patients included 8 males and 14 females, with a mean age of 25.3 years. Tumor types included seven osteosarcomas, two osteofibrous dysplasias, one Ewing's sarcoma, five low-grade osteosarcomas, two adamantinomas, and five giant cell tumors. Chemotherapy was performed during bone distraction in 8 cases. Bone transport was used in 17 cases, while shortening distraction was used in 5 cases.
Results:
The mean distraction length was 8.1 cm, and the mean external fixation period was 301 days. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score (used to measure functional outcome) was 91.5 % at mean follow-up of 202 months. Fourteen patients were able to play sports without any difficulty.
Conclusions:
Epiphyseal preservation and reconstruction by bone distraction require both time and effort, but can provide excellent long-term outcomes, resulting in a stable reconstruction that functionally restores the natural limb.
