Objective To investigate the mode and influential factor of newbone formation following distraction osteogenesis in mandibular lengthening. Methods Corticotomy was performed on bilateral mandibles in twelve adult male goats. A custommade distractor was used to lengthen the mandible at a rate of 1mm/day for 10 days (total 10 mm elongation). Four goats were sampled respectivelyat 2, 4 and 8 weeks after completion of distraction. The lengthening mandibles were examined by roentgenography and histology. Results Newly formed callus was observed in the distraction gap after mandibular lengthening. The new bone exhibited intramembranous ossification generally, but cartilage islands could be found in the specimen that diastractor loosed. Conclusion The above findings indicate that the mode of new bone formation in mandibular lengthening following distraction osteogenesis appears to be intramembranous ossification and that endochondral ossification takes place in case distractor has loosened.