2025 Volume 34 Issue 1 Pages 17-22
One promising option for enhancing the growth of new bone is periosteal distraction. The objective of the present study was to develop a protocol for stable alveolar distraction. In beagles, we used a newly developed distraction device to augment the mandibular alveolar ridge. Bilateral extraction of molars and premolars was performed, followed by removal of the surrounding buccal cortical bone (thickness, 3-4 mm) to simulate atrophy. Then, we inserted a titanium screw (diameter, 0.9) beneath the periosteum for subsequent initiation of distraction. Following a 16-week healing period, three beagles were fitted with a bilateral titanium periosteal distraction device (total of six sides) and underwent lateral distraction of the periosteum (0.5 mm per day over 6 days). One dog (two sides) served as control. There were no signs of device infection or displacement. Ten weeks after the distraction, all animals were euthanized. Samples were collected and mandibles were halved. Before fixation, one side was decalcified and the other was not. All animals successfully tolerated the distraction device, which stayed securely attached to the lateral ramus of the mandible throughout the entire study period. No soft tissue dehiscence or distraction exposure occurred. Following the study period, all surgical sites exhibited healing without signs of infection. Histological analysis revealed dense bone formation with a lamellar structure: the mean increase in bone width was 0.69 ± 0.25 mm in non-decalcified specimens compared to control specimens. In conclusion, a periosteal distraction device can potentially induce bone formation, suggesting clinical applicability.
