A new distraction device to compare continuous and discontinuous bone distraction in mini-pigs: a preliminary report

Callus-distraction has become an accepted procedure to lengthen hypoplastic mandibles in humans. Extra- and intraoral devices have been applied succes sfully. Systematic studies have proven the importance of direction, stabili ty, rate and frequency in callus-distraction. In an experimental animal stu dy a newly developed intraoral microhydraulic osteodistractor,vas tested, I nitially the pressures necessary to distract the mandible in mini-pigs were recorded in discontinuous callus-distraction, These results were used to p erform continuous bone distraction. Besides testing the new distracter and evaluating the distraction pressures, the aim of the study was to prove tha t direct bone growth occurred without preceding cartilage formation, Clinic al and microscopic results are presented, (C) 2000 European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery.