[Tibial lengthening by transepiphyseal distraction of the proximal growth plate. An experimental study in the rabbit (author's transl)].

Lengthening by transepiphyseal distraction has been used in man by several authors, but experimental results are variable. In this study twenty young rabbits have been submitted to elongation, half with circumferential metaphyseal release, half without. Lengthening obtained at the end of the growing period has been poor or negative in case with periosteal release, a little better without this incision.