Experimental Craniosynostosis and Sutural Growth After Distraction Osteogenesis in Growing Rabbits

ABSTRACT

Suturectomy and distraction was thought to be an optimistic solution in craniosynostosis during growth period, but there is no protocol when to stop distraction. Twelve six-week-old New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups; control, suturectomy, distraction, overdistraction. Immobilization was made by methyl cyanoacrylate adhesive for 6 weeks. The last two groups were mechanically distracted with custom-made spring expanders for 3 and 6 weeks. Subsequent growth effects of coronal suture separation were assessed by serial radiographic cephalometry. Cephalometric analysis revealed that there were statistically significant differences in the inclinations of growth distances between four groups, but there is no statistically significant difference between four groups in distance between defined cephalometric points at the beginning and 18 weeks later. In histomorphologic studies, widened intersutural spaces were filled and stabilized with newly deposited bone. In conclusion, growth rates were adapted in experimental craniosynostosis after distraction osteogenesis in growing rabbits, having no concern with presence of distraction, extent of distraction after suturectomy.