Evaluation of a semiburied, fixed-trajectory, curvilinear, distraction device in an animal model

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated a new small, buried distractor, capable of curvilinear movement while following a fixed trajectory. The geometrical basis for such devices and the 3-dimensional treatment planning system required to make buried distractors practical are discussed. Materials and Methods: A curved rack and worm-gear device, based on the design of a hose clamp, was constructed to produce a curved distraction path, and this distractor was tested in 2 minipigs using a protocol with zero latency and 1 mm/d × 7 days of distraction. Serial standardized lateral cephalograms were used to verify distractor function and path. Results: Curvilinear distraction was documented by clinical examination and serial cephalometric analysis in the 2 minipigs. Observed angulation of the margins of the wedge-shaped distraction gap conformed to the calculated angulation based on the fixed radius of curvature of the distractor. Conclusion: Distraction along a curved trajectory using a small, semiburied, curvilinear device of novel design is feasible in the minipig mandible.