Mandibular lengthening by distraction osteogenesis in children - A one-year follow-up study

Objective: The present study was undertaken to document whether mandibular length could be increased by distraction osteogenesis in children and what happens to the mandibular position 1 year after the distraction. Methods: Five patients with hemifacial microsomia (four unilateral, one bil ateral) had distraction osteogenesis performed to lengthen the mandible. Al l patients had cephalometric and panoramic radiographs obtained before and 3, 6, and 12 months after the distraction osteogenesis. Results: The total mandibular length (Co-Gn) on the affected side was incre ased by 11.2 mm after the distraction and remained stable during a 1-year o bservation period. However, the increased mandibular length tended to move the chin downward (8 mm) more than forward (2 mm) during the same period. Conclusions: Distraction osteogensis can be used to lengthen the hypoplasti c mandible. However, most of the increased mandibular length moved the chin downward more than forward.