Comparison of cyclic compression, cyclic distraction and rigid fixation. Bone healing in rabbits.

A tibial osteotomy was created in rabbits and was fixed with an external fixator. The rabbits were divided into 3 groups in which cyclic distraction, cyclic compression and rigid fixation were applied. Fracture healing was similarly enhanced in the groups with cyclic compression and cyclic distraction. Axial cyclic movements seem to stimulate bone healing, regardless of the direction of the applied force.