BackgroundIn this study we examined the effects of two different repeated Extracorporeal Shock Waves (ESW) on the consolidation period of the distraction osteogenesis (DO) of the rabbit mandible using stereological, radiological and immunohistochemical methods.Material and MethodsDO was performed unilaterally in the mandible of 18 New Zealand rabbits (six months old, weighing between 2.5-3 kg). In the consolidation period, rabbits were divided into three groups randomly after the distraction period. The distraction zone of the mandible was received no treatment as controls (E0*2). Group 2 (E 500*2) received ESWT (twice 500 impulses at 14 kV and 0.19 mJ/mm2 energy) in the first and fourth days of the consolidation. Group 3 (E1000*2) treated with ESWT (twice 1000 impulses at 14 kV and 0.19 mJ/mm2 energy) in the first and fourth days of the consolidation period. After the sacrification, radiologically bone mineral density, new bone formation, new fibrous tissue and new vessel formation were analyzed by stereological.ResultsIt was found a statistically significant difference between the study groups and control group in the bone mineral density measurements and the highest value was in the E1000*2 group. In the stereological analysis, new bone formation was highest in the E1000*2 group and there was a significant difference compared to the other groups (E0*2 and E500*2) (p=0.000). The lowest connective tissue volume was found in the E500*2 and there was a significant difference compared to the other groups (E0*2 and E1000*2) (p=0.000). The volume of the new vessel was highest in the E500*2 and lowest in the E0*2 group. It was found statistically significant difference between the values of the study and control groups.ConclusionsInterestingly, we found that repetition of the 1000 impulses ESWT accelerated the consolidation, 500 impulses ESWT extended consolidation period of the DO. Key words:Distraction osteogenesis, extracorporeal shock waves, stereology, rabbit.