Experimental and comparative study of the blood supply to the mandibular cortex in Göttingen minipigs and in man

Introduction: Since the blood supply to the mandibular cortex is an important factor for bone growth and bone repair, experimental studies on the blood supply in animal models (such as Göttingen minipigs) applicable to man are necessary. Their value depends on the requirement that the patterns of blood supply in the two species are similar. Material and methods: Twelve Göttingen minipig mandibles (24 halves) and four human mandibles (eight halves) were investigated for the blood supply to the mandibular cortex. Results: Only minor differences were found in blood supply to the mandibular cortex between the two species. Common to both was: in the cranial part of the mandible (including the condyle), the endosteal blood supply prevailed, whereas the periosteal blood supply predominated in the caudal part of the mandible (the body). Both patterns of blood supply were in balance in the centre section, i.e. angle and ascending ramus of the mandible. Conclusion: The present study confirms that results obtained from Göttingen minipigs, used as an experimental animal model, are applicable to man: three different types of blood supply are evident in the mandibular cortex in both species. Copyright 2002 European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.