Glossary term
Latency period
The prescribed interval between bone division and the start of distraction; duration is protocol- and patient-specific.
Updated 2026-03-011 alias1 sourceUsed across articles and safety pages
Definition
The latency period is the interval after osteotomy and before gradual distraction begins. Published protocols often use several days, but there is no universal 5-to-14-day rule. Age, bone, indication, fixation, soft tissues, and the treating team's protocol determine the start. [1]
Aliases
latency phase
Updated 2026-03-01
Sources
- Barakat AH et al. - Lengthening Nails for Distraction Osteogenesis: A Review of Current Practice and Presentation of Extended Indicationsacademic_journalAccessed 2026-07-12
Informational only. Not medical advice.