ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate a novel technique for new bone formation--periosteal distraction osteogenesis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A custom made periosteal distraction device was fixed to bilateral surface of the mandible in three rabbits. Periosteal distraction was performed on the left side of the mandible, the right side of the mandible served as the control. The animals were sacrificed at the end of distraction process. All the specimens were X-rayed and histologically examinated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All three animals survived with no obvious complications. Both in mass specimens and X-rays, there showed new bone formation on the distracted side of the mandible. In histological examinations, there was osteoblast-like cell infiltration and bone tissue formation in the distracted area.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Periosteal distraction osteogenesis can provide a novel technique for the repair of bone defects.</p>