Objective: To establish a new model of tibia distraction osteogenesis in SD rats
Methods: Forty male SD rats had their right tibia osteotomized and shortened by 4 mm. The tibia was fixed with a self-designed circular external fixator. During the fracture repair period, the tibia height was restored with the external fixator. The healing and recovery of the osteotomy site were observed by gross observation, imaging observation and histomorphology after operation
Results: The external fixator was stable and effective, and had no significant effect on the functional activities of rats
Conclusion: The rat tibia distraction osteogenesis model is reliable, practical and repeatable