Histomorphometrical analysis of new bone obtained by distraction osteogenesis and osteogenesis by periosteal distraction in rabbits.

The aim of this study was to compare histomorphometrically the new bone tissue obtained using two different distraction methods, and evaluate these two methods in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. In 36 New Zealand adult male rabbits, divided into two groups, a gradual distraction was performed using a device placed on the lateral surface of the mandibular corpus. In one group osteotomy was not performed and osteogenesis by periosteal distraction (OPD) only was used. In the other group, conventional distraction osteogenesis (DO) was performed. After a 7-day latent phase, the same distraction protocol was applied to both groups. Each group of rabbits was further divided into three sub-groups killed on the 15th, 30th and 60th days of the consolidation period, and histological analysis was performed. The mean extent of newly formed bone tissue was 14.4 mm2 in the OPD groups and 25.4 mm2 in the DO groups. When compared statistically, there were significant differences between all the DO and OPD sub-groups. The newly formed bone tissue obtained by OPD was rich in interstitial fatty tissue. These results indicate that bone tissue newly formed by OPD is not suitable for occlusal forces.