Restoration of mandibular continuity using mandibular transport distractor guided by reconstruction plate

ABSTRACT

distraction osteogenesis has been introduced recently to correct skeletal malformations and discrepancies in the maxillofacial area. To reconstruct 3-dimensitonal mandibular shape, this transport distraction can be considered with the use of reconstruction plate. A 23-years-old male having unilateral mandibular body and angle defects, who had been operated of partial mandibular resection due to unicystic ameloblastoma, was treated by transport distraction procedures with ThreadLock transport distractor(R) (KLS Martin Co., Germany) through the rail of reconstruction plate (Osteomed Co., USA). After being distracted 35 mm defect from mandibular angle to body, and consolidated for 16 weeks, allogenic bone graft on docking site was performed with removal of transgingival pin. For more than 13 weeks follow up period after consolidation period, gradual increase of radiopacity in the radiographic examination was shown, and the curved mandibular continuity according to the reconstruction plate was made firmly. These transport distraction osteogenesis in the mandible was able to be considered as the good and minimally invasive technique for the reconstruction of mandibular discontinuity. Young patient was also very satisfactory for these results.