Mandibular distraction. An experimental study on sheep.
In a series of 17 growing sheep (aged 13.5-19 weeks) the recently developed external fixation frame permitting gradual distraction, was tested. The frame gives good stability during distraction. Mandibular osteotomy was performed transversely in the middle of the ramus, under general anaesthesia, with an oscillating saw. Using distraction by approximately 1 mm per day, lengthening of the mandibular ramus was achieved. X-ray analysis showed all the distracted osteotomies to have healed in 25 days, showing new bone formation in the distraction gap. The pattern of radiological healing was graded according to the phase of consolidation. With this method it appears to be possible to lengthen the mandible without transplantation of additional bone.
Dept. of Orthodontics and Paedodontics, University of Helsinki, Finland.
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Karaharju-Suvanto
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Karaharju
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Ranta
D000818:Animals; D001852:Bone Lengthening / Q000295:instrumentation; D001858:Bone Nails; D004867:Equipment Design; D016267:External Fixators; D008334:Mandible / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D010012:Osteogenesis; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D012756:Sheep; D014143:Traction; D014945:Wound Healing