Architecture and microstructure of cortical bone in reconstructed canine mandibles after bone transport distraction osteogenesis

Reconstruction of the canine mandible using bone transport distraction osteogenesis has been shown to be a suitable method for correcting segmental bone defects produced by cancer, gunshots, and trauma. Although the mechanical quality of the new regenerate cortical bone seems to be related to the mineralization process, several questions regarding the microstructural patterns of the new bony tissue remain unanswered. The purpose of this study was to quantify any microstructural differences that may exist between the regenerate and control cortical bone. Five adult American foxhound dogs underwent unilateral bone transport distraction of the mandible to repair bone defects of 30-35 mm. Animals were killed 12 weeks after the beginning of the consolidation period. Fourteen cylindrical cortical samples were extracted from the superior, medial, and inferior aspects of the lingual and buccal plates of the reconstructed aspect of the mandible, and 21 specimens were collected similarly from the contralateral aspect of the mandible. Specimens were evaluated using histomorphometric and micro-computed tomographic techniques to compare their microstructure. Except for differences in haversian canal area, histomorphometric analyses suggested no statistical differences in microstructure between regenerate and control cortical bone. Morphological evaluation suggested a consistent level of anisotropy, possibly related to the distraction vector. After 12 weeks' consolidation, bone created during bone transport distraction osteogenesis was comparable to native bone in microstructure, architecture, and mechanical properties. It is proposed that, after enough time, the properties of the regenerate bone will be identical to that of native bone.