The influence of periosteal elevation on mandibular growth in young rats.

The effect of periosteal elevation on the growth of the mandible was investigated in 142 3-week-old male rats. Surgery was performed at 3 weeks of age, and the animals were sacrificed at 6, 9, and 15 weeks of age. Measurements were carried out on dried halves of the mandibles. A bone defect was found at the 3rd week postoperatively but had filled in at the 6th week postoperatively. Histological and microangiographical studies were carried out up to the 6th week postoperatively. No significant differences were recorded in the size of the operated and unoperated halves of the mandibles. The growth pattern for the experimental group tended to be similar to that of the control group. It is therefore concluded that periosteal elevation alone does not induce growth impairment in the mandible of young rats.