Callus mineralization following distraction osteogenesis of the mandible monitored by scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM).
BACKGROUND
Scanning acoustic microscopy uses ultrasound to analyse histomorphology of tissues with microscopic resolution and delivers data about physical properties of the specimen.


METHODS
Bony consolidation was monitored by scanning acoustic microscopy in 12 embedded specimens of dog mandibles after distraction osteogenesis. Increasing mineralization was detected by measurements of acoustic impedance (Z).


RESULTS
There was a strong correlation between acoustic impedance and time of consolidation. Measurements of the speed of sound (v) provided specific information about non-mineralized zones of the distracted area. Distribution of density in the distracted area could be reconstructed by using the measurements of acoustic impedance and speed of sound.


CONCLUSIONS
The method seems suitable for studying bone remodelling qualitatively and quantitatively.
Adolphs
Nicolai
N
AO-Research Institute, Davos-Platz, Switzerland. n_adolphs@hotmail.com
Kunz
Christoph
C
Pyk
Pawel
P
Hammer
Beat
B
Rahn
Berton
B
D000162:Acoustics; D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology; D002146:Bony Callus / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D002113:Calcification, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D004285:Dogs; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery; D033401:Microscopy, Acoustic / Q000379:methods; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction; D013997:Time Factors