Automated continuous distraction osteogenesis may allow faster distraction rates: a preliminary study

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a surgical technique used to regenerate bone.
• Optimizing DO protocols, including distraction rates, is crucial for successful bone regeneration.
• Previous studies have primarily focused on discontinuous DO or slower continuous rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate bone formation using clinical and radiographic criteria in a minipig model.
• To determine the efficacy of automated continuous DO at rates exceeding 1 mm/day.
• To compare outcomes of continuous DO at 1.5 mm/day and 3.0 mm/day with discontinuous DO.

Main Methods:

• An automated, continuous, curvilinear distraction device was used in 10 minipigs.
• Mandibular osteotomies were distracted at 1.5 mm/day and 3.0 mm/day.
• Bone healing was assessed using semiquantitative scales for appearance, stability, and radiographic density, with discontinuous DO groups as controls.

Main Results:

• Continuous DO at 1.5 mm/day and 3.0 mm/day demonstrated bone formation comparable to discontinuous DO at 1 mm/day.
• The continuous DO groups showed significantly better appearance and radiographic density compared to the discontinuous 4 mm/day group.
• Continuous DO at 3.0 mm/day also exhibited superior stability over discontinuous DO at 2 mm/day and 4 mm/day.

Conclusions:

• Continuous DO at 1.5 mm/day and 3.0 mm/day promotes enhanced bone formation.
• These findings suggest that faster continuous DO rates are more effective than faster discontinuous rates.
• This preliminary study supports the use of higher rate continuous DO for improved bone regeneration.