Distraction of scarred soft tissue before secondary bone grafting - A casereport

Mandibular distraction was performed to restore oral function in a 52-year- old man with tongue cancer, in whom a mandibular fracture developed after m arginal resection of the mandible. The fracture caused the mandibular denta l arch to be shorter than the maxillary arch. An external fixation device w as attached to the collapsed mandible. The mandibular soft tissue was expan ded by 32 mm. After gradual distraction, a vascularized iliac bone graft wa s transferred to the lengthened space. Subsequently, vestibuloplasty was pe rformed and implants were inserted. A normal appearance, acceptable occlusi on and satisfactory oral function were achieved.