Effect of weightbearing on bone formation during distraction osteogenesis

The effect of weightbearing on the bone formation during distraction osteogenesis was studied with 24 goats after standardized osteotomy and distraction. Twelve goats were allowed to bear weight immediately and 12 were not allowed to bear weight. With the pattern of weightbearing documented, the formation of bone was monitored with serial radiographs and the bone forming activity was studied with histologic examination and immunohistochemical study of transforming growth factor-beta 1 expression. The results of the study showed that the bone formation as depicted by radiologic assessment of callus width and mineralized tissue was significantly better in the weightbearing group. Histologic study showed more bone formation qualitatively and quantitatively in the weightbearing group. This study confirmed the beneficial effect of weightbearing activity during distraction osteogenesis. Distraction provides pulsed form stimulation by tension stress across the osteotomy site and initiates osteogenesis while the compression stress exerted by the weightbearing is continuous in daily activities and enhances new bone formation. The clinical practice of early weightbearing during distraction osteogenesis should be reinforced.