[Morphologic principles of callus distraction]

There are various ways and means of performing the callus distraction procedures used more and more frequently in the clinic today. The interplay of numerous factors affects the macroscopical and microscopical morphological appearance and thus the quality of the bone regenerate. The radiological appearance during and after distraction remains relatively constant and is well-known. Tissue maturation occurs in several phases, namely, an organisational, a longitudinal polarisation, an ossification, and a consolidation phase. The characteristic morphological signs of the individual phases will be described.