Effect of tantalum markers of longitudinal bone growth

Small tantalum pins (0.50 x 1.5 mm and 0.32 x 1.2 mm), used as intraosseous radio-opaque markers, were investigated for their effect on growth in 62 young rabbits. The tetracycline growth method was used and a difference in daily growth rate between the marked right leg and the unmarked left leg indicated a slight growth stimulation. The growth rate was slightly stimulated (at most, 26 mum/day) on days 1 and 2 after insertion, only if the larger markers were used. No growth effects were detectable on days 12 and 21.