Creation of a Rabbit Model of Rib Distraction Osteogenesis

Abstract

Our study aimed to create a rabbit model of rib distraction osteogenesis, for use in treatment of rib defects and research on the process of distraction osteogenesis. Ten rabbits were subjected to unilateral osteotomy and a specific distractor was installed. The distractors were normally designed. Two rabbits died from anesthesia. Eight female rabbits underwent rib osteotomies, and lateral distraction devices were implanted. Three days postoperatively, distraction commenced on one side in each rabbit, by 0.5 mm twice a day for 80 days. Four rabbits each were sacrificed 15 and 30 days later, respectively, and the osteogenic and contralateral ribs were removed for histomorphometric examination. Normal development of distraction osteogenesis was observed, and the structure of newly formed bone was the same as that of other parts of the rib. Histomorphometric and gross tissue appearance of the areas subjected to distraction osteogenesis were the same as the other parts of the rib. We successfully established an animal model of rib distraction and documented the entire process of extension. Rib distraction was performed by 0.5 mm twice a day. Following a fixed period of 30 days, the biological characteristics of the distracted and contralateral normal rib showed no difference. Moreover, the distracted rib had curvature.