New internalized distraction device for craniofacial plastic surgery using Ni-free, Ti-based shape memory alloy

J Craniofac Surg. 2010 Nov;21(6):1839-42. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0b013e3181f43eba.

Abstract

This study was undertaken to examine effects and biocompatibility of a new internalized distraction device made from newly developed Ti-Nb-Al shape memory alloy (SMA). Crania of Wistar rats were expanded using a U-shaped wire of this SMA set on each cranium in an experimental group. At 2 or 4 weeks after operation, the rats were killed; width measurements and three-dimensional observations of crania were conducted using soft x-ray and microfocus x-ray computed tomography photography. After photography, histologic sections were made and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. No pathologic change in the experimental duration was observed macroscopically or histologically. Significantly increased size was found for the rat crania in the experimental group compared with the control group. Results demonstrated the feasibility and biocompatibility of internalized distraction osteogenesis using Ni-free, Ti-based SMA in craniofacial plastic surgery for craniofacial deformities.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alloys / chemistry*
  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Cephalometry / methods
  • Coloring Agents
  • Connective Tissue / diagnostic imaging
  • Connective Tissue / pathology
  • Cranial Sutures / diagnostic imaging
  • Cranial Sutures / pathology
  • Dental Alloys / chemistry*
  • Eosine Yellowish-(YS)
  • Equipment Design
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Hematoxylin
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods
  • Internal Fixators
  • Male
  • Osteogenesis, Distraction / instrumentation*
  • Parietal Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Parietal Bone / pathology
  • Parietal Bone / surgery*
  • Photography / methods
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / instrumentation*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Time Factors
  • X-Ray Microtomography / methods

Substances

  • Alloys
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Coloring Agents
  • Dental Alloys
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • titanium-niobium-aluminum alloy
  • Eosine Yellowish-(YS)
  • Hematoxylin