MULTIPLE SEGMENTAL GRADUAL DISTRACTION OF FACIAL SKELETON - AN EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY

The method of distraction osteogenesis was used to move several facial segments in different directions with formation of new bone. On 3 you ng adult sheep a Le Fort II osteotomy, combined with circumferential o rbital osteotomies, was performed, The periosteum over the osteotomies was preserved, Titanium bone screws were placed as bone markers. The segments were fixed with pins and plates to a combined distraction app aratus in order to advance the segments in different directions. By a gradual distraction, the midface was advanced forward by 30 mm, The le ft orbit was moved laterally 20 mm and the right orbit was moved forwa rd 20 mm, In both orbits there was a concomitant globe movement, New h one formation in the distracted area was obvious radiographically, cli nically, and histologically, In conclusion, multiple segmental distrac tion is possible in the adult sheep face and may offer three-dimension al (30), controlled correction of complex face deformities.