Craniomaxillofacial Distraction Osteogenesis

Abstract

Since the middle of the 1990s distraction osteogenesis has been introduced into maxillofacial surgery. Its advantage in comparison to single-step movements of mandible or maxilla lies in the simultaneous augmentation not only of bone but also of soft tissues. Thus it can be applied to cases where long distances (n > 10 mm) have to be overcome and/or unfavourable conditions of the soft tissue envelope (marked retrusion, scars of previous operations) exist. Currently DOG has proven to be useful for a number of indications In the mandible (such as uni-or bilateral hypoplasia, recurrence after conventional surgery) In the maxilla (such as maxillary hypoplasia or midfacial retrusion especially in cleft lip and palate and syndromic cases) Stable long-term results could be achieved with positive effects on mastication, nasal breathing and facial appearance. In conclusion it may be stated that distraction osteogenesis has become a valuable tool in orthognathic surgery from many difficult cases. It cannot replace the other established surgical procedures, however, since they are usually less time-consuming and require less patient compliance.