Pediatric Regenerative Medicine: A Focus on Distraction Osteogenesis

Distraction osteogenesis is a cornerstone technique in pediatric limb reconstruction and a powerful clinical application of regenerative medicine. By harnessing the biologic response to controlled mechanical stimulation, distraction osteogenesis enables the formation of native, vascularized bone and soft tissue. This review outlines the biologic principles underlying bone regeneration, perioperative factors that influence regenerate quality, and contemporary mechanical, biophysical, and biologic strategies used to optimize or salvage compromised regenerate in pediatric limb lengthening. Together, these concepts highlight how distraction osteogenesis continues to evolve within the expanding field of regenerative medicine in pediatric orthopedics.