Electrophysiologic evaluation of inferior alveolar nerve regenerated by bifocal distraction osteogenesis in dogs.
BACKGROUND
Bifocal distraction osteogenesis has been shown to be a reliable method for reconstructing missing bone segments. However, there are no reports regarding inferior alveolar nerve regeneration during bifocal distraction. In the present study, the authors evaluated the function of inferior alveolar nerve regenerated by bifocal distraction after segmental resection in the mandibles of dogs.


METHODS
Using a bifocal distraction osteogenesis method, the authors produced a 10-mm mandibular defect and distracted the transport disk at a rate of 1 mm/day. The regenerated inferior alveolar nerve was evaluated by electrophysiologic analysis that was performed on all dogs after euthanasia at 3, 6, and 12 months after the first operation.


RESULTS
At 6 and 12 months, stable evoked potential measurements were obtained from the nerves throughout the study on electrophysiologic analyses.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors' results indicate that the inferior alveolar nerve regenerated by bifocal distraction osteogenesis functioned electrophysiologically at 6 months after the first operation. Although our research is still at the stage of animal experiments, future application in humans is considered to be possible.
Suita and Yao, Osaka, Japan From the First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Osaka University, Graduate School of Dentistry; and the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Yao Municipal Hospital.
Emiko T
ET
Isomura
Yosuke
Y
Shogen
Munehiro
M
Hamaguchi
Mikihiko
M
Kogo
D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000294:innervation; D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D005881:Gingiva / Q000294:innervation; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000502:physiology*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000379:methods*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology