Effect of chemotherapeutic agents on distraction osteogenesis. An experimental investigation in rabbits

Limb-salvage operations such as vascularised or non-vascularised osseous grafts and allograft and callus distraction methods have replaced amputations because of the increase in the life expectancy of patients with malignant tumours. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of chemotherapeutic agents on distraction osteogenesis. For this purpose, 23 rabbits randomly divided into two groups were included in the study. The experimental group and the control group consisted of 12 rabbits and 11 rabbits, respectively. The experimental group were administered chemotherapeutic agents with the protocol identified in the osteogenic sarcoma regimen. All the subjects were corticotomised in the metaphyseal-diaphyseal region, and both groups underwent distraction with a circular ring fixator. X-ray films, bone scintigraphy and histopathological examination were performed three times during the study. No difference between the two groups was observed in radiological, scintigraphical and histopathological studies carried out before the distraction period and following the end of the distraction period. In this study, it was shown that the use of antineoplastic drugs has no significant negative effect on distraction osteogenesis applied for reconstruction in rabbits. We think that it can be an alternative treatment method in humans as well. Received: 20 February 2000