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

Limb-salvage operations such as vascularised or non-vascularised osseous gr afts 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 I I rabbits, respectively . The experimental group were administered chemotherapeutic agents with the protocol identified in the osteogenic sarcoma regimen. All the subjects we re corticotomised in the metaphyseal-diaphyseal region, and both groups und erwent distraction with a circular ring fixator. X-ray films, bone scintigr aphy and histopathological examination were pet-formed three times during t he study. No difference between the two groups was observed in radiological , scintigraphical and histopathological studies carried out before the dist raction period and following the end of the distraction period. In this stu dy, it was shown that the use of antineoplastic drugs has no significant ne gative effect on distraction osteogenesis applied for reconstruction in rab bits. We think that it can be an alternative treatment method in humans as well.