Evaluating Loading Deflection of Distraction Osteogenic Rib in a Rabbit Model.
BACKGROUND
The treatment of patients with partially atrophic rib and rib defects requires an ideal arc of the rib that has adequate bone length and width. To design and assemble a distraction device with a strain gauge, we need to establish an animal model for testing it during rib distraction osteogenesis.


METHODS
Osteotomies were performed at the same position in the fifth rib in 8 rabbits. Customized distraction devices attached to strain gauges were used to distract the ribs. After a month of distraction and consolidation, loading deflection gauges were used, and specimens were examined histologically to record bone formation.


RESULTS
Distraction osteogenesis was carried out successfully in all rabbits when the device used to distract the rib up to 4 cm.


CONCLUSIONS
The device can be used for strain testing during rib distraction osteogenesis performed in a rabbit model. There was no significant difference in the loading deflection gauges of the bone between osteogenic and contralateral ribs. This animal model of costal distraction osteogenesis is successful.
Department of Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Children's Hospital, Affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; and Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.
Weimin
W
Shen
Department of Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Children's Hospital, Affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; and Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.
Chenlu
C
Tang
Department of Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Children's Hospital, Affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; and Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.
Junyi
J
Yang
Department of Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Children's Hospital, Affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; and Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.
Liangliang
L
Kong
Department of Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Children's Hospital, Affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; and Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.
Xiaoying
X
Zhang