Histomorphometric analysis of new bone obtained by osteogenic periosteal distraction in ovariectomized rabbits

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of estrogen deficiency on newly formed bone obtained by osteogenic periosteal distraction histomorphometrically. Study Design Thirty-six female rabbits were divided into 2 groups. The experimental group underwent a bilateral ovariectomy and a sham operation was applied to the control group to equalize the stress of ovariectomy surgery. Four weeks postoperatively, a gradual distraction of the mandibular corpus was performed. Results In the experimental group, callus formation was delayed and the new bone was less mineralized; conversely, when histomorphometric measurements were compared statistically, there were no significant differences between the ovariectomized and sham-operated subgroups in the mean extent of newly formed bone tissue. Conclusions Although osteoporosis caused by the lack of estrogen has negative effects on osteogenic periosteal distraction (OPD), these negative effects do not appear to present a contraindication to OPD.