Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society
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Distraction osteogenesis is used both for leg lengthening and for bone transportation in the treatment of fractures and nonunions. The main problem with this method is that the time until full recovery may be up to a year, partly because of the time needed for the new formed bone to consolidate and become strong enough for weight bearing. We have studied whether intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH(1-34)) could accelerate the consolidation of new formed bone after distraction osteogenesis in rats. ⋯ Total regenerate callus volume was unchanged. The contralateral femur also became stronger, stiffer and denser under PTH(1-34) treatment, but to a lesser degree. PTH(1-34) might become useful to shorten the consolidation time after distraction osteogenesis in humans.