[Mandibular distraction osteogenesis: an experimental study in goats].

OBJECTIVE

This experiment was designed to develop an experimental model of mandibular distraction osteogenesis in goats for determining the principle and the process of distraction osteogenesis.

METHODS

Eight 3-month-old, healthy domestic goats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 2 per group). The animals from each group were killed at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after bone distraction, respectively. The sections of newly formed bone were obtained and evaluated with histologic and radiographic study. We also assessed the newly formed bone with bone density examination.

RESULTS

The specimens of right mandible increased averagely 10 mm after distraction. The Newly formed bone was demonstrated histologically. The X-ray examination and bone density measurements showed that the bone density increased with the time of fixation.

CONCLUSION

Goat is a proper experimental animal for modeling mandibular distraction osteogenesis, and in this regal, it is important to keep the direction of distracter force in conformity with the direction of the expected distraction osteogenesis for avoiding the side force and thus ensuring successful distraction and good quality of newly formed bone.