The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histologic change of the inferior alveolar nerve according to distraction amount following mandibular lengthening. Seven rabbits weighing about 4 kg were used. Corticotomy was performed on the mandibular body area anterior to the right first premolar region. A unilateral external fixation device was placed. Every effort was made to preserve the inferior alveolar nerve during the corticotomy. The rabbits were then allowed to heal for 7 days without distraction of the device. The mandible was lengthened 0.36 mm/day, 0.76mm/day or 1.0 mm/day. Corticotomy and lengthening of Mandible were not perofrmed in control group. After the completion of the lengthening process, a 14-day-consolidation period was allowed. After consolidation, rabbits were sacrificed, and histologic examination of the inferior alveolar nerve was performed. The results obtained were as follows :
1. In the control group, normal trifascicular pattern of inferior alveolar nerve was observed. Epineurium, perineurium, endoneurium, and axon with myelin sheath were observed in normal appearance.
2. In 0.36 mm/day distraction group, the trifascicular pattern was normally shown, and there was no destruction in epineurium, perineurium, and endoneurium. The mild changes including myelin attenuation, axoplasmic swelling and darkening were observed.
3. In 0.72 mm/day distraction group, it was possible to differentiate the epineurium from the perineurium. Two normal fascicles and one unjuried fascicle were observed with a partially destructed perineurium. Most of the axons had axoplasmic swelling and darkening.
4. In 1 mm/day distraction group, it was difficult to differentiate the nerve structures such as fascicles, epineurium, perineurium, and endoneurium. The axons were severely destroyed, except few which showed decreases in size and changes in shape. Some collagen matrices were observed around the axons.
These results suggest that the higher the distraction amount, the more severe the injury to the inferior alveolar nerve, fascicles, axons. Although distraction osteogenesis may be useful, the amount of distraction should be carefully selected.
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