Objectives: Direct current electrical stimulation is used clinically to treat different orthopedic problems. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of electric current on distraction osteogenesis and to establish a correlation between the best periods to apply an electric current during the different distraction phases.

Methods:

Twelve goats were subjected to a vertical osteotomy in the symphyseal area. A distraction device was fixed to the bone. Animals were divided into two groups, Group I (3 goats) and group II (9 goats). In group I, the device was activated 1 mm per day for 10 days; while in group II, the device was activated 1 mm per day for 10 with the application of direct electric current stimulation of 10 ľA. according to the following scheme: subgroup (a): the electric current was applied during the first 3 days of latency in a continuos mode (ESL group). In subgroup (b) the electric current was utilized during the first 3 days of the activation period (ESA group); while in subgroup (c) the electrical current was used during the first 3 days of the consolidation period (ESC group). After the activation period was completed the distraction device left in place for additional 15 days for bone consolidation in all animals. Animals were then sacrificed and the mandible was harvested and the distracted areas were removed and processed for mechanical and histological studies.

Results: The results of this study suggested that direct current electrical stimulation display synergism on mandibular distraction when this stimulation applied to the distraction zone during activation or consolidation periods.

Conclusion: It is concluded that direct current electrical stimulation may be indicated in mandibular distraction and may shorten the overall duration of lengthening and the distractor can be removed earlier as early bone healing is expected

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