Objective To establish a new model of distraction osteogenesis in rat tibia. Methods A customized external fixation device was attached to the right tibia of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats. A 4-mm bone block was resected and the tibia was shortened. To investigate the bone healing during the distraction osteogenesis period and reconstruction period, and general observation, x-ray analysis, and histological examination were performed. Results The device was stable and effective without hindrance. The tibia length was recovered and bone union was achieved. Conclusions A novel Sprague-Dawley rat model of distraction osteogenesis in tibia is successfully established, and this is a reliable, practical and reproducible model.