Injected calcium sulfate for consolidation of distraction osteogenesis in rabbit tibia*

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of calcium sulfate powder injection in a rabbit tibial distraction model. There was one experimental group and two control groups. The calcium sulfate powder, suspended in carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) medium, was injected into the distracted tissue in the experimental rabbit group, whereas only CMC medium was injected into the one control group. The other control group did not undergo any intervention. On radiography and bone mineral density tests, the amount of newly formed bone was greater in the distracted zone of the experimental group than in the two control groups, which showed incomplete bone deposition and calcification. The application of calcium sulfate to distracted tissue increased the rate of osteogenesis and calcification.