Effect of calcium sulphate on the rate of osteogenesis in distracted bone

The effect of applying resorbable calcium sulphate material to newly distracted bone to hasten osteogenesis and consolidation was investigated using 24 New Zealand rabbits. The animals were divided into four groups each containing six rabbits. Groups 1 and 2 were test groups and Groups 3 and 4 were controls. A custom-made submerged distractor was used to distract the rabbit mandibles. The distractor was first used on the third postoperative day at a rate of 1 mm/day for a total of 10 mm. After the completion of distraction, a medical grade resorbable calcium sulphate mixture was applied on the distracted bones in the test groups, whereas the distracted bones in the control groups were exposed postdistraction and closed without intervention. Groups 1 and 3 were sacrificed 11 days postdistraction and Groups 2 and 4 were sacrificed 21 days postdistraction. Undecalcified sections of the distracted bone were examined. Half of the distracted mandibles in each group were stained with Goldner's trichome stain to identify the amount and maturity of the new bone in the distraction zone. The other half of each group was stained with von Kossa stain to identify the amount of calcification and calcium deposition in the distracted bone. Osteogenesis was seen as early as 11 days postdistraction in test animals. Rich lamellar bone deposition was noted in Group 2 (21 days postdistraction +CaSO4). Calcification of the newly formed bone was predominant in the distraction zone in the test groups, especially Group 2, compared to the control groups, which showed incomplete bone deposition and calcification. In conclusion, the application of calcium sulphate to newly distracted bone increased the rate of osteogenesis and calcification.