Study of the effect of ultrasound on bone formation during mandibular osteodistraction in rabbits.

摘要

Distraction osteogenesis is currently a popular technique in craniofacial treatment and reconstruction. One of the problems encountered in this technique is the long post-distraction stabilization period, which can affect the overall treatment outcome. This study evaluated the stimulatory effect of therapeutic ultrasound on bone formation and maturation during osteodistraction of the mandible in rabbits.; A total of 21 mature rabbits were included in this study and they were divided into three groups each consisting of seven rabbits. For all rabbits, the distraction started 72 hours after the surgical osteotomy of the mandibles at a rate of 3 mm per day with a rhythm of 1.5 mm each 12 hours. Group one received ultrasound treatment (twenty minutes) on both sides of the mandible every other day alternatively. Group two received ultrasound treatment on one side of the mandible every day. Group three did not receive any ultrasound treatment. Evaluation of the degree of bone formation and maturation at the distraction site was assessed by photodensitometry of the newly formed bone on head radiographs, mechanical testing, vibration testing and by histological examination after sacrificing the animals. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. The findings revealed that the use of therapeutic ultrasound enhanced bone formation and maturation at the distraction site as evidenced by the increase in new bone photodensity, mechanical properties and histological maturation especially when ultrasound was applied every day.