A new system for custom helical mandibular distraction: a cadaver test

Currently, internal mandibular distraction osteogenesis is performed with stock distractors that are either linear or circular. However, a recent in silico study showed that linear and circular distractions resulted in bone deformity, malocclusion, and condylar displacement, while custom helical distractors produced excellent outcomes. A system to design and manufacture custom helical distractors has recently been developed. An unpublished in vitro study showed excellent outcomes with custom helical devices manufactured using this system. However, it is unknown whether these appliances will work in human tissues. Hence, the current study was performed to determine first, in a cadaver model, whether the new system of custom helical distraction can produce appropriate clinical outcomes; and second, to contrast the performance of the custom helical distractors with those of stock and hybrid (i.e., linear appliances that feature patient-specific footplates) devices. The results demonstrated that the new system of custom helical distraction could produce appropriate clinical outcomes in the cadaver model. Also, the new custom helical distractors operated as intended. Interpreted as trends, the best results of this study were seen with the helical distractors, followed by the hybrid devices and lastly the stock appliances.