Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Distracted Bone after Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis in Canine Model

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was designed to examine whether the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) after mandibular distraction osteogenesis accelerated bone formation and consolidation.METHODS: Eight adult dogs underwent mandibular left body osteotomy. After a 3 day latency period, a distraction rod device was activated at a rate of 1.0 mm once per day for 10 days. After the completion of mandibular lengthening, NMES group was treated twice daily with 2 hours of NMES for 14, and 28 days, while non-NMES group did not receive NMES. The distracted segment was evaluated radiolgraphically histologically and than immunohistochemically for osteopontin (OPN) to evaluate new bone formation and consolidation.RESULTS: Radiography, did not demonstrate significantly different images between the group and the NMES group. Histological examination however, showed that the new bone formation 14 and 28 days after distraction was better in the NMES group when compared to non-NMES group. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the staining intensity of OPN increased more in the NMES group than in non-NMES group during early consolidation.CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that the use of NMES can promote bone formation and consolidation.