[Long-term effects and influence on facial structure of palatal distraction].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new palatoplasty with persistent elastic distraction osteogenesis.


METHODS
Twenty mongrel dog aged in 6 month were divided into two groups: the control (n = 10) and the experimental group (n = 10). The cleft palate model was made surgically in experimental dogs. The hard palate clefts were repaired with persistent elastic distraction osteogenesis. Then the animals were observed for an additional 12 weeks before sacrifice. Direct measurements was taken on dry skulls of the dogs and the data were analyzed statistically.


RESULTS
For all experimental dogs, the clefts were closed after gradual distraction. No relapse and airway blocking occurred in observational period. There were no significant differences in the variables of facial length, height and width between the two groups (P > 0.05). The length of horizontal portion of hard palate in experimental group was significantly longer than that in the control (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
There was no complication and disturbance on maxillofacial structure in repairing cleft palate with persistent elastic distraction osteogenesis. It is an effective and safe technique for repairing cleft palate in animal model.
Stomatology of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
Li-min
LM
Liang
Chun-ming
CM
Liu
Jun
J
Xiong
Min
M
Hou
D000818:Animals; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005145:Face / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000379:methods*; D010159:Palate / Q000601:surgery*