# BIOPHYSICAL EFFECTS OF EPIPHYSEAL TRACTION

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER · 1987 · $90,855

## Abstract

This proposal addresses the problems of growth deformities after epiphyseal
plate (physeal) fracture, or subsequent to developmental deficiencies.
Acquired growth deformity has been gaining considerable attention in the
recent literature as a frequently underestimated and presently unsolved
clinical problem.  Premature complete or asymmetric closure of the growth
plate occurs in 50% or more of childhood fractures of the distal femur.  It
leads to significant crippling problems in many of these unfortunate
patients, with few satisfactory solutions.

A new approach is suggested for treatment of the physeal injury.  The
technique of applying traction across the growth plate, which was
originally utilized by Russian surgeons for "bloodless limb lengthening"
will be evaluated for prophylactic and for correct treatment of skeletal
growth arrest.  This assessment begins with in vitro biomechanical studies
of the mode in which epiphyseal plates fail when subjected to varying
levels of axial traction.  The method of applying traction a cross the
plate to produce a growth response without fracture failure will then be
evaluated.  Both failure and sub-failure traction loads will be utilized to
prevent and/or to correct epiphyseal growth arrest in an animal model.
Various techniques and devices including spring-loaded and turnbuckle
mechanisms will also be compared in the animal model, both with in vitro
and in vivo applications.

In addition to the indications and effectiveness of epiphyseal traction,
its contraindications and complications will also be considered.  Areas of
concern include the adverse effects on subsequent epiphyseal growth and
damage to the joint surface.  Disruption of the epiphyseal collagen fiber
architecture in particular may lead to early obliteration of the epiphyseal
cartilage columns and will be analyzed in this proposal.  Alterations in
the circulation to the epiphysis and the physis must also be considered as
a potential complication of the method.  Arthritic changes in the articular
surface adjacent to the growth center must also be carefully looked for
after the epiphysis is manipulated.

All these advantages and disadvantages, the biophysical effects of
epiphyseal traction, are considered in this proposal.  Such a careful,
indepth analysis is important, and indeed imperative, before epiphyseal
plate surgery, which has already been reported in some U.S. and European
centers becomes widely disseminated in this country.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3156547
- **Project number:** 5R01AR033249-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER
- **SAM.gov UEI:** G15AG3BLLMH4
- **Principal Investigator:** JOHN F CONNOLLY
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $90,855
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1985-04-01 → 1988-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3156547

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3156547, BIOPHYSICAL EFFECTS OF EPIPHYSEAL TRACTION (5R01AR033249-03). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-24 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3156547. Licensed CC0.

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