Effect of distraction osteogenesis in cat mandible on the inferior alveolar nerve

Abstract

We performed distraction osteogenesis (DO) on the mandibles of five cats and investigated its effect on the distracted inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). Immunoblotting techniques and the digastric electromyogram response evoked from the jaw opening reflex were assessed in the IAN before surgery, immediately after surgery, at the completion of distraction, and 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after completion of distraction. Latency significantly increased, especially immediately after surgery. However, immunological examinations confirmed that the latency tended to recover in the distraction group. This suggests that although function in the IAN was distracted by DO of the mandible, it tended to recover during the time frame of the experiment. Shika Igaku (J Osaka Odontol Soc) 2002 Mar; 65(1): 121-129.