OBJECTIVETo 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.

METHODSAdult 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.

RESULTSThe 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.

CONCLUSIONSDistraction 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.