Lengthening of the mandible by distraction osteogenesis

Biomechanical effects of surgical cut direction in unilateral mandibular lengthening by distraction osteogenesis using a finite element model

“…There is usually no need for bone grafting because new bone is added in the gap between bone segments 8,10,14,16 . In DO, all the soft tissues (including skin, muscles, nerves, and vessels) are stretched and it is concluded that they are expanded in addition to the bone and this expansion reduces the tendency for relapse 14 .…”

Distraction Osteogenesis of Mandible in Hemifacial Microsomia-A Case Report

“…In selected patients, mandibular distraction osteogenesis can be beneficial by improving overall facial symmetry and balance ( Figure 6). Mandibular distraction osteogenesis has unique advantages for these patients in that it can be performed early in childhood with minimal morbidity [1]. In this method the soft tissue attached to the bone is expanded simultaneously.…”

“…This concept of bone lengthening was first described by Codivilla in 1905, who used it to elongate a femur by repeated distraction forces [1]. Other surgeons also applied the technique, but met with failures due to complications such as nonunion, nerve damage, local edema, skin necrosis, and pin tract infection.…”

The Effect of Distraction on the Temporomandibular Joint

“…Distraction osteogenesis techniques have been recently used to reconstruct the micrognathic mandible (18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25). Distraction osteogenesis has been employed to correct the mandibular hypoplasia in both unilateral and bilateral cases.…”