Mechanical induction of Osteogenesis. Preliminary studies.

The animal model developed in the Soviet Union by Ilizarov has been reliably reproduced by us for the mechanical induction of osteogenesis using slow distraction. Our preliminary studies in six adult dogs indicate that this osteogenesis originates from well-structured intramembranous ossification, with rapid maturation to lamellar bone, indistinguishable from surrounding host bone. Mineralization increases steadily, reaching critical levels for radiographic visualization between Days 21 and 28. In this model, the osteogenic area then exceeds normal bone density temporarily but returns to normal density within three months. Distraction for 28 consecutive days (at 0.25 millimeters every six hours using rigid transfixion wires, as Ilizarov describes) reliably lengthened the tibiae by 12 percent, increasing mass by 27 percent, and volume by 26 percent with only a one percent change in overall density. The process required four months to add 24 millimeters of mature, lamellar bone capable of full weight-bearing by the dogs. This rate of osteogenesis, estimated at 202 microns per day, is four times faster than a human's fastest growth plate (child's distal femur at 50 microns per day). Calcium/collagen ratios did not differ significantly from normal bone controls.