Rapid Lengthening of Rabbit Mandibular Ramus by Using Nitinol Spring: A Preliminary Study

Nitinol is well known for its shape memory and superelasticity, which means it can return to its original shape from large deflections and produce moderate forces in the process. Based on these characteristics, the authors attempted to use an internal Nitinol spring for automatic lengthening of mandibular ramus. Twenty adult white rabbits underwent transverse osteotomy in unilateral mandibular ramus to remove a 15.0 mm condylar segment and L-osteotomy in remnant ramus to create a vascularized transport disc. The S-shaped Nitinol spring, with two ends bent as perpendicular underprops, was constricted and secured across the transverse gap of L osteotomy by the underprops. Six animals were killed 6 days after operation for observation of bone transport rate. Other surviving rabbits were killed 8 weeks later for morphologic and histologic examination. Mechanical testing revealed moderate output of tensile elasticity by constricted spring on shape recovery in 37°C. Rapid lengthening of mandibular ramus, more than 9.0 mm in 5 to 6 days, and new bone formation in 8 weeks were found. The radiograph and histologic appearance of regenerated bone was similar to those seen with traditional distraction osteogenesis. This preliminary study demonstrates the possibility of spring-mediated rapid mandibular lengthening across an osteotomy. However, the method needs additional scientific investigation for its clinical feasibility.