Design considerations and animal experiment on a new bilateral mandibular distraction device

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficiency of a new innovative bilateral distraction device made of titanium alloy to prolong the bilateral mandibles simultaneously on goats.Materials and methodsTwelve adult goats were recruited and randomly divided into 4 groups. Each group was sacrificed at 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 4 weeks after distraction period respectively. X-rays were taken and histological examination was performed. The regenerated bone was analyzed.ResultsThe DO was successful in the research. The radiographs and histological results both verified new bone bridging distraction gap. X-rays showed that bone mineral density increased gradually and histological outcomes demonstrated that collagen bundles initially formed in the distraction region and were followed by calcification and osteogenesis increasingly with time going on.ConclusionsThis study shows excellent bone formation in the distraction area, which demonstrates the applicability and positive effects of the combined bilateral mandibular distractor. It displayed merits and avoided shortcomings of both external and internal distractors. At the same time, the price was lowered to an affordable level domestically.