J Korean Soc Plast Reconstr Surg.  1999 Jul;26(4):538-545.

The Bone Forming Effect of Sodium Fluoride During The Distraction Osteogenesis on Membranous Bone: An Experimental Study in the Mandibles of Rabbits

• Kim YH
• Kang MS
• Kim JC
• Woo SH
• Seul JH
• Byun WM

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to improve bone formation and shorten the period involved in distraction osteogenesis using sodium fluoride (NaF). This has been used in managing osteoporosis for several decades. This study was carried out on 40 New Zealand white rabbits. Twenty animals were used for a control group (no medication) and 20 for the experimental group. NaF 1 mg/kg/day was administered to each experimental animal via drinking water beginning 4 weeks prior to surgery and continued until sacrifice for examination. A distraction device was applied to the left mandible along a plane perpendicular to the direction of osteotomy. After a 5-day latent period, the mandibles were lengthened at 1 mm per 24 hours for 10 days. Five rabbits from each group were sacrificed on the 1st day, 2nd week, 4th week and 8th week of the consolidation period. After lengthening, all the rabbits developed a severe cross-bite. By the 4th week, cortical continuity was seen. Bone densities at the site of bony lengthening were measured by quantitative computer tomography (QCT) and dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The results were as follows: the measurements of the experimental group were significantly higher than of the control group by the 1st day of the consolidation period (p>0.05) and insignificantly higher after the 2nd week. Histologically, in the experimental group, there were more osteoblasts, increased and thickened trabeculae and more mature lamellar bones than in the control group. This study showed that osteogenesis of the experimental group was significantly higher during and immediately after distraction. Our study suggested that the use of NaF could improve bone formation and decrease the period of distraction osteogenesis if a safe dose and method of fluoride administration can be determined for growing humans.

MeSH Terms

Absorptiometry, Photon
Animals
Bone Density
Drinking Water
Fluorides
Humans
Mandible*
Osteoblasts
Osteogenesis
Osteogenesis, Distraction*
Osteoporosis
Osteotomy
Rabbits*
Sodium Fluoride*
Sodium*
Drinking Water
Fluorides
Sodium
Sodium Fluoride