THE EFFECT OF RIGID FIXATION ON THE FRONTONASAL SUTURE IN GROWING RABBITS

강성(剛性) 고정(固定)이 성장중(成長中)인 가토(家兎)의 전두비골봉합(前頭鼻骨封合)에 미치는 영향(影響)에 관(關)한 연구(硏究)

This study was aimed to clarify the histopathological changes in the experimental animal model subjcted to rigid fixation performed across the frontonasal sutrue in growing rabbits. Sixteen rabbits aged 6 weeks used. In experimental group(n=12), rigid fixation with miniplates and screws was performed across the frontonasal suture. Control group(n=4) was those with periosteal elevation only. Experimental animals were sacrificed on the 2nd, 4th, 8th, and 12th week after operation, and frontonasal suture area was excised for light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic examination. The results obtained were as follows : 1. In control groups, collagen fiber bundles ran in the midportion of bone sutrue and cambial layers were seen at bone surface. Sutural surfaces are beveled and external and internal bony projected portions were observed. 2. In experimental groups, distance of bone suture was decreased by new bone formation on the 2nd week, while increased by bone resorption at the miniplate applied area and bone formation in the adjacent bone on the 4th week. 3. In experimental groups, the original bone surface was almost resorbed and new bone formation was found on the 8th week. Regulary-run collagen fibers, smooth and dense bone surfaces were similar to the bone patterns of control groups on the 12th week. Above results suggest that bone formation is restricted where the miniplate is applied, while compensatory growth is appeared in the adjacent bont. It is considered that rigid fixation with miniplates and acrews results in a little disturbance of sutural growth of the craniofacial bone in infancy and children when applied for short duration.