[Reconstruction of segmental mandibular defect of canine using titanium-nickel distractor].

Objective: To establish a continuous and automatic distraction osteogenesis technique in reconstruction of segmental mandibular defect by using embedded titanium-nickel alloy distractor with characteristics of shape-memory and super-elasticity.

Methods: Adult hybrid canines were used as the animal model. Segmental defects of 1-3 cm in the body of mandible were created by surgical osteotomy. Bi-focal distraction osteogenesis was applied using embedded titanium-nickel distractor designed by the authors. The canines were sacrificed 3 months after the operation and the mandibles were harvested to examine the results of bone regeneration.

Results: The histocompatibility of titanium-nickel distractors was good. Distraction osteogenesis was completed automatically and the defects were elementarily restored. Radiological and histological examination showed well bone regeneration in distraction area.

Conclusions: Distraction osteogenesis using embedded self-loading titanium-nickel distractor could be a hopeful and useful technique. It might help to solve the problems of functional mandibular reconstruction in the near future.