Intermittent loading improves results in mandibular alveolar distraction osteogenesis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate clinical and morphological effects on distractive callus after application of an original protocol of bone stimulation.


METHODS
Traditional or mechanically stimulated alveolar-distraction osteogenesis was studied on 16 highly selected subjects subdivided into two groups. Clinical, radiological, densitometric and histological (on biopsies) analyses were performed 6, 8 and 12 weeks after distraction was completed.


RESULTS
In subjects undergoing stimulated alveolar-distraction osteogenesis, bone density was higher and at histology, bone with ordered structure was observed after 6 weeks. Moreover, bone trabeculae with oriented architecture and greater amounts of lamellar bone were observed after 8 and 12 weeks in the same subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, although osteogenic processes were similar in both groups, they were induced earlier and were better structured in subjects undergoing stimulated alveolar-distraction osteogenesis. These encouraging results can only be achieved and preserved by strict monitoring of distractive vectors.
Department of Neurosciences, Head-Neck, Rehabilitation, Section of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
Ugo
U
Consolo
Carlo
C
Bertoldi
Davide
D
Zaffe
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000601:surgery; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000543:Alveoloplasty / Q000379:methods*; D001706:Biopsy; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology; D001861:Bone Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008875:Middle Aged; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000379:methods*; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D013314:Stress, Mechanical