Effects of osteoformin in the rapid distraction osteogenesis of rabbit mandibles.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of osteoformin on mineralisation and quality of the new bone formation during rapid distraction osteogenesis. METHODS: This multi-centre study was conducted at the Karadeniz Technical University, Middle East Technical University and Selcuk University. The experimental study was conducted from January 2010 to September 2012 and comprised New-Zealand rabbits that were randomly divided into three groups. In group I distraction rate was 1 mm/day while in groups II and III distraction rates were 2mm/day and 1 mm/day. In groups I and II 100µg/kg osteoformin was injected after the latency period. Distraction region was evaluated by radiological, histomorphometrical and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry analyses. SPSS 17 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 18 rabbits with each of three groups having 6(33.3%). Accelerated bone healing was noted in groups I and II compared with group III (p<0.05). No significant differences were indicated between groups I and II (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Local injection of osteoformin was effective in the craniomaxillofacial distraction osteogenesis in rabbits. Further experimental studies are recommended before using osteoformin on humans.