NOVEL APPLICATIONS OF DISTRACTION HISTOGENESIS

Distraction histogenesis (DH) techniques have been widely accepted and practiced in orthopedics, traumatology, and craniofacial surgery over the last two decades, using DH methods, many previously untreatable conditions have been successfully managed with outstanding clinical outcomes. It is generally accepted that mechanical stimulation is the key in promoting and maintaining tissues' regenerating capacities. Under normal circumstances with adequate support of postoperative physiotherapy, DH treatment has good clinical outcome and needs no additional intervention(s). Being a great surgical technique for skeletal tissue repair and regeneration, DH also has a wider implication in understanding body's self-repair and self-regeneration potentials, and its new clinical applications are extended to functional tissue engineering, hip reconstruction surgery, management of vascular diseases and cosmetic limb lengthening surgery, as well as neurological disorders. DH theory opens a new page of human biology and physiology, its wider applications will continue bring us more surprises.