[Limb lengthening by way of slow distraction of the epiphysis. An experimental study]

The results of limb lengthening by way of slow distraction of the appropriate epiphyceal plate on 25 lamb limbs were investigated clinically and radiologically, and scrutinized histologically by light- and electron microscopic examinations. It has been proved that lengthening of 0.4 mm per day by way of slow distraction would not cause epiphysiolysis, and that lengthening took place as a result of increased osteogenesis and augmented endochondral ossification in the epiphyseal plate, being induced by distraction at a slow rate. Points about limb lengthening by way of epiphysiolysis and of slow distraction of epiphysis were compared and discussed.