Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2017; 30(01): 15-19
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-16-05-0077
Original Research
Schattauer GmbH

Biomechanical comparison of two ostectomy configurations for partial mandibulectomy

Daniel Linden
1   Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
,
Brad M. Matz
1   Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
,
Ramsis Farag
1   Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
,
Harry W. Boothe
1   Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
,
D. Michael Tillson
1   Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
,
Ralph Henderson
1   Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 19 May 2016

Accepted: 13 October 2016

Publication Date:
26 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Objective: To determine the stiffness and load to failure of two different ostectomy configurations using canine mandibles.

Study design: Cadaveric biomechanical assessment.

Animals: Paired mandibles (n = 30).

Methods: Standardized partial ostectomies were created on the alveolar surface of 30 mandibles. Samples were randomly assigned to right-angled (n = 15) or crescentic ostectomy (n = 15). Excision spanned the mesial aspect of the fourth premolar tooth to the distal aspect of first molar tooth. Mandibles were loaded to failure in three-point ben-ding. The stiffness, displacement at maximum load, and load to failure were measured.

Results: There was no significant difference in stiffness (p = 0.59), displacement at maximum load (p = 0.16) and load to failure (p = 0.76) between right-angled or crescentic ostectomy. Right-angled and crescentic ostectomy failed mostly by fracture through an empty alveolus (11/15 and 13/15, respectively).

Clinical relevance: No significant differences in load to failure or stiffness between ostectomy techniques were observed. Crescentic ostectomy did not improve the acute load to failure for partial mandibulectomy. The empty alveolus served as a focal stress concentration point eliminating the potential mechanical advantage of a crescentic ostectomy.