Distraction Osteogenesis of Mandible using Short-Sagittal Osteotomy for the Patient with Hemifacial Microsomia

ABSTRACT

Since osteogenesis in the distraction site of the membranous bone has been well proved in histological studies, distraction osteogenesis of the craniofacial skeleton has become popular as an alternative to conventional orthognathic surgical procedures. Nowadays, mandibular distraction has been applied to balance the mandibular asymmetry in various methods. Bone distraction is not a new idea. The technique was already described by many other authors. One of the most important points of view in the distraction osteogenesis is effective elongation of hypoplastic mandible with preservation of the inferior alveolar nerve and tooth bud. From May 1997 to November 2000 we performed 15 distraction osteogenesis of mandible using our new short sagittal ramus osteotomy in patients with hemifacial microsomia. Our short sagittal ramus osteotomy could effectively lengthen the hypoplastic mandible and avoid the injury to the inferior alveolar nerve or tooth bud.