Rat model for limb lengthening by callus distraction.

Limb lengthening and treatment of bone defects by using the method of callus distraction has become very important in traumatology and orthopedics. Despite increasing clinical use and ongoing research, many questions still remain unanswered. The biochemical processes that occur during matrix-induced bone formation have been elucidated, while the mechanisms of bone formation induced by callus distraction are still unclear. This study details the development of a new animal model in which rats undergo limb lengthening by callus distraction, offering the possibility of using modern immunological, and molecular biological techniques, which have already been developed for this animal species. The application of limb lengthening by callus distraction in this animal model has proven to be a practicable, reproducible, and economical procedure, which can increase our understanding of the callus distraction process.