Distraction osteogenesis for mandibular advancement

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibilities of distracti on osteogenesis to correct mandibular hypoplasia. Fourteen young patients ( mean age 14.1 years) with a proven resistance to initial, functional orthod ontic therapy, were treated by means of bilateral intraoral distracters. Th e corticotomy was performed in the region of the third molar. The latency t ime was six days and the stabilization period six weeks. In all cases the p lanned lengthening of the mandible and class 1 occlusion were achieved. Sev en patients required additional elastic band traction to close a mild open- bite directly after active distraction. In the first seven patients, insuff icient mobilization at the site of the corticotomy had resulted in a broken distraction rod in two patients and incomplete distraction of the lingual cortex in one patient. Adequate mobilization at the site of the corticotomy prevented these problems in later cases. No permanent sensory disturbances were seen. Twelve patients finished their orthodontic treatment within six months after distraction.