Effects of locally applied simvastatin on periosteal distraction

Tooth loss may occur at any age, as a result of trauma, caries, periodontal diseases and other reasons. Alveolaer bone tends to resorb after tooth extraction. This situation causes difficulties for implant surgery and prosthetic rehabilitation. One of the methods used to regain alveoler bone is periosteal distraction procedure. In this method, a periosteal distraction device is used to yield bone producing cells to migrate from periosteum to the area and generate new bone. Several recent studies proved that simvastatin, an antihiperlipidemic drug, is effective at enhancing new bone. Local or systemic use of this drug is possible. The effects of simvastatin usage on periosteal distraction are unknown and there is no study in the literature concerning this.The aim of this thesis study is to evaluate a new periosteal distraction device combined with local simvastatin delievery on bone formation. In our experimental study, twenty New Zealand rabbits are used. The distractors were custom made (Synthes, Switzerland)for this study. One distractor was placed on the inferior border of the mandible of each rabbit. Simvastatin (0,2ml) (Zocor®) soaked collagen sponge used for experimental group and simvastatin free collagen sponge used for control group. After a latency period of seven days distraction was performed by activating the distractor 0.5 mm per day. A periosteal distraction of 5.0 mm was achieved after a distraction period of 10 days. Both groups sacrificed on the 30th day of the consolidation period. Radiologic and histomorphometric analyses were performed to evaluate the bone formation. The data were analyzed statistically. In conclusion, the periosteal distractor that have a new design and advantages provided new bone formation without any significant complication. Locally applied simvastatin group?s results showed no statistically differences from the control group except one parameter. Key Words: Periosteal distraction, periost, simvastatin, alveoler augmentation, periosteal distractor