Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation on the early bone consolidation after distraction osteogenesis in rabbit mandible model

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Distraction osteogenesis is widely used as for bone lengthening in patients with maxillofacial deformity and alveolar bone atrophy. One of the major problems in distraction osteogenesis is long consolidation period for 2-3 months, in which the devices have to be fixed on the bone to prevent relapse. It results in scar formation on the face, disturbance of mastication and speech. This study was performed to evaluate the stimulating effect of pulsed electromagnetic field on the early bone consolidation in distraction osteogenesis.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 10 rabbit were used (5 for control group, 5 for experimental group). A vertical osteotomy in the mandibular body was performed and the distraction device was fixed. After 5 days distraction was done 1mm per a day for 7 days. A pulsed electromagnetic field (38 Gauss, 60 Hz) was applied for 8 hours per day and it continued for 5 days immediately after distraction in the experimental group. Both groups were sacrificed after 2 weeks. Histological specimens with HandE and Masson Trichrome staining were made and histomorphometrically analysed with image analyser.RESULTS: The device for distraction osteogenesis was displaced in one animal for each group, therefore, only four animals in both groups were evaluated. In both groups, a new bone formation was observed in the distracted area after 2 weeks. The bone formation was enhanced in the experimental groups (31.76+/- 8.68%) compared with control group (9.94+/-3.23%), its difference was statistically significant (p<0.001).CONCLUSION: This study suggests that electrical stimulation with electromagnectic field may be effective in the early bone formation after distraction osteogenesis. Further studies with large number of animals are needed before clinical application.