• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.411-418
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• 2002

Thirty rabbits underwent femoral lengthening using monolateral external fixator to evaluate results and complications of limb lengthening. Twenty rabbits survived until consolidation of callus formed at the lengthening site after finishing lengthening. Ten rabbits were sacrificed during femoral lengthening because of complications. Survived 20 rabbits were classified to two groups according the amount of lengthening: group I (10% lengthening of the femoral length); group II (20% lengthening). There was no significant difference of consolidation time between two groups (p=0.25). Varus angulation at the lengthening site occurred in 60% of two groups and the amount of varus angulation in group II was larger than that of group I. Degenerative change of articular cartilage at the medial condyle of the distal femur was found in 30% of group II. Of sacrificed ten rabbits, 5 had pin loosenings with pull an of pins from the femur, 2 had fermoral fractures around the pin-tract site, and 3 had severe osteomyelitis of the femur around the pin-tract site.