Maxillofacial growth retarded by microsurgical injuries in young rats

This study aimed to experimentally evaluate the impact of maxillofacial surgically induced trauma on the growth of the skull and facial bones. The materials were previously divided into two separate papers and published in French; however, this research article has assembled the methods and results, added measurable traces to figures, and updated the discussion, references, and layout. Twelve maxillofacial injuries were tempted in 100 rats at the age of 8± 2 days. Surgeries were performed under surgical microscope to precisely hit a specific target. Sixty-nine rats survived to the age of 36 ± 2 days and were sacrificed. The morphology and bilateral dimensions of dry skull and facial skeleton in each group were compared with those of ten rats that escaped surgery and used as controls. Seven procedures including coagulation of palatine blood supply, excision of the mid-palate sagittal suture, removal of a mandibular condyle, disinsertion, or excision of a masseter muscle, cutting of a mandibular nerve, and enucleation of an eye globe, led to a deterioration of facial skeleton growth. However, five procedures including palatal subperiosteal dissection, mucoperiosteal excision, unilateral nasal obliteration, external carotid artery ligation, and facial nerve interruption did not hinder growth. Preserving the integrity of vascularity, periosteal osteogenic power, sutures, condyle growth centers, masticatory neuromuscular function, and orbit/globe capsular matrix, are crucial for normal craniofacial growth and development.