Use of a new curvilinear distractor to repair mandibular defects in dogs

We have investigated the feasibility of using a new curvilinear distractor to repair mandibular defects in 6 mature male dogs. A mandibular defect was created by an oblique osteotomy between the distal planes of the bilateral second premolars, and a transport disc 10 mm wide was made. After a 7-day latency period, distraction was activated at 0.5 mm/12 h and consolidation lasted for 6 or 12 weeks. Three dogs were killed after 6 and 12 weeks’ consolidation for gross, radiographic, and histological observations to be made. Curvilinear distraction osteogenesis was successful in 5/6 animals. At both time points smooth curved bone had been restored in the distracted areas, and radiographic and histological examination showed that the generated bone was similar to normal bone after 12 weeks’ consolidation. These results suggest that the curvilinear distractor could complete curvilinear distraction osteogenesis in dogs’ mandibles.