In tibial lengthening using the Ilizarov frame after corticotomy, the 'latency period' before distraction begins is:

• A 24 hours — distraction begins immediately after surgery
• B 6 weeks — full soft callus formation required before distraction
• C 12 hours — to prevent premature consolidation
• D 5–7 days — allows early callus and fibrovascular granulation tissue formation ✓

Explanation

After corticotomy in the Ilizarov technique, a latency period of 5–7 days (in adults; 3–5 days in children) is observed before distraction begins. This latency allows early inflammatory response, fibrovascular granulation tissue formation, and periosteal new bone formation to begin — creating a regenerate template for distraction. Starting distraction too early (before 5 days) risks tearing the forming regenerate; too late (>14 days) risks premature consolidation and fixation of the osteotomy site. The concept was established by Ilizarov's observations of distraction osteogenesis in dogs.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.