Microvascular changes during osseous healing after segmental resection of the mandible

Abstract

We elucidated the relationship between osseous healing and microvascular changes utilizing light and scanning electron microscopic observations of osseous-microvascular corrosion castings. At one week, neovascularization was observed from pre-existing vessels of the inferior alveolar artery and mandibular periosteum. Newly-formed trabeculae at the fundus of the defect spread between new sinusoidal capillaries. At 4 weeks, the defect were filled with the newly-formed bone that approached the level of the mandibular border. We concluded that use of the ultrasonic blade to preserve pre-existing vessels of the inferior alveolar artery is beneficial to new bone formation.