Evaluation of a new semiburied curvilinear distraction device in dogs.

We developed a semiburied, curvilinear distraction device for use in osteogenesis in the reconstruction of maxillofacial defects. The device was tested in two dogs, which had segmental defects made in the maxilla and zygoma. The residual zygoma was distracted with the device. The bony transport discs were distracted about 12mm around an arc, and the new bone formed well in the distracted gap. The semiburied curvilinear distraction device has proved to be reliable for internal curvilinear distraction. Its clinical applicability needs to be studied further.