Distraction Osteogenesis.

ABSTRACT

For centuries, many different techniques have been used in an attempt to modify bone growth, both in terms of amount & the direction. Orthodontists, for example, use intraoral & extraoral appliance to restrict growth of the maxilla in hopes of accentuating mandibular sagittal growth. There are several new approaches that have been developed to correct severe anterioposterior, transverse & vertical deformities of the craniofacial skeleton. One of these alternative approaches is the method of gradual bone distraction known as “Distraction Osteogenesis”. (DO)It is a biological process of new bone formation between the surfaces of osteotomized bone segments that are gradually separated by incremental traction. “Distraction is not a technique in search of applications. Its use should be focused on conditions that are not well addressed by conventional techniques and where distraction gives a truly superior result.”