Histologic features of osteogenesis in the alveolar bone distraction

Alveolar bone distraction was performed for 5 to 13 days on seven patients using a Martin device, removed 12 weeks after the end of distraction. Biopsies were carried at device removal and before placing implants. All patients had a good response to surgery. Histology showed a good vascular network and start of ossification 40 days after the end of distraction. Soft callus was widely converted into a network of trabecular woven bone at 60 days. Biopsies are almost completely constituted by trabeculae of woven bone lined by more ordered bone at 170 days. No osteoclast activity was detected after 60 days. Alkaline phosphatase activity, not yet appreciably high after 60 days, is very low at 170 days. In conclusion, these preliminary results, indicating an almost steady-state bone deposition processes, suggest the possibility of an early implant insertion. ISI WOS:000081376000020 IDS Number: BN25Y