Intermittent loading improves results in mandibular alveolar distraction osteogenesis.

AIM: To evaluate clinical and morphological effects on distractive callus after application of an original protocol of bone stimulation. MATERIAL AND 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. DISCUSSION AND 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. IDS Number: 020ER PMID: 16584414