Abstract
Reconstruction of mandibular segmental bone defects is a challenging task. This study tests a new device used for reconstructing mandibular defects based on the principle of bone transport distraction osteogenesis.
Thirteen beagle dogs were divided into control and experimental groups. In all animals, a 3-cm defect was created on one side of the mandible. In 8 control animals, the defect was stabilized with a reconstruction plate without further reconstruction and the animals were killed 2 to 3 months after surgery. The remaining 5 animals were reconstructed with a bone transport reconstruction plate, comprising a reconstruction plate with attached intraoral transport unit, and were killed after 1 month of consolidation.
Clinical evaluation, cone-beam CT densitometry, three-dimensional histomorphometry, and docking site histology revealed significant new bone formation within the defect in the distracted group.
The physical dimensions and architectural parameters of the new bone were comparable to the contralateral normal bone. Bone union at the docking site remains a problem.