Craniofacial Distraction Osteogenesis

ABSTRACT

Distraction osteogenesis is a bone lengthening technique initially developed for the long bones of the lower extremity. It has subsequently been applied with a great deal of success in the craniofacial skeleton. Its most extensive use has been in the mandible of children with craniofacial deformities. Distraction osteogenesis allows the mandible to be lengthened in any direction and creates bone of a quality similar to that of the native mandible. It also stretches the overlying soft tissue, minimizing the possibility of relapse.

Its use has subsequently been extended to virtually every area of the craniofacial skeleton. This includes the midface, the cranial vault, the orbit, the zygoma, and the palate. The chief limitation of the process at this point is the device. External devices have been most commonly used, but in most cases, these result in a cutaneous scar. Submerged devices are preferable, but are limited in terms of the stability they provide and the vector of distraction. Additionally, they require a second operation for removal. Future advances in technology will likely make distraction osteogenesis the preferred technique for moving bone segments in the craniofacial skeleton.

Keywords

Distraction osteogenesis - cranofacial distraction - mandibular distraction