This study evaluated the potential of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) to improve bone healing in distraction osteogenesis (DO), a procedure used to correct bone deformities. Researchers examined the effects of different ESWT doses on rabbit mandibles during the bone consolidation phase, assessing bone density, new tissue growth, and blood vessel formation.

Eighteen of the test subjects underwent DO on one side of their mandibles. The control group received no additional treatment. Two treatment groups received single-dose ESWT on the first day of the consolidation phase: one group with 500 impulses (low-dose) and the other with 1000 impulses (high-dose). Researchers analyzed bone mineral density, new bone and tissue formation, and capillary growth using advanced imaging and measurement techniques.

Results showed significant improvements in bone healing metrics for the ESWT-treated groups compared to controls. The group treated with 1000 impulses (high-dose) demonstrated the highest bone density, most robust new bone formation, and the greatest increase in capillary volume. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences between the control and treatment groups, with the high-dose group showing superior outcomes compared to the low-dose group.

The findings suggest that high-dose ESWT stimulates growth factors that accelerate bone regeneration and enhance blood supply, critical for effective healing. This study highlights ESWT’s potential as a noninvasive tool to improve outcomes in bone regeneration procedures like distraction osteogenesis.