Objectives: Objectives of the study were to determine the effectiveness of
distraction osteogenesis of the mandible to relieve airway obstruction in c
hildren with tongue-base airway obstruction and to describe the new surgica
l techniques developed for use in infants and young children. Study Design:
Prospective, nonrandomized study. Methods: Analysis of 11 children with se
vere airway obstruction secondary to tongue-base obstruction was performed.
Patients were between 2 weeks and 5.5 years of age. Ah patients underwent
distraction osteogenesis of the mandible. Results: Twelve distraction proce
dures in the 11 children in the study were accomplished; decannulation or e
xtubation was successful in all children. Conclusion: Distraction osteogene
sis of the mandible can be used to treat tongue-base airway obstruction in
appropriately selected children.