The objective of this study is to describe a new bone transport system not requiring the use of transfixating wires. The system, which is constituted by a plate, a movable conveyor and a hauling device, was set up on the right tibia of 17 sheep intending to fill a 1-cm bone gap. Bone transport started 7 days after surgery on a rate of 0.8 mm/day, divided into 0.2 mm at each 6 hours. X-ray images of anteroposterior and lateral planes were taken immediately after surgery and on a weekly basis until transport was finished. In all 12 animals completing the study, the bone gap was filled with regenerated formation and target focus consolidation. The study shows that the system presented here effectively performs bone transport, eliminating the use of transfixating wires or pins.
Osteogenesis; Distraction; Bone regeneration; Bone plates
