ABSTRACT
A patient with juvenile chronic arthritis presented with a malocclusion characterized by mandibular hypoplasia, symphysial deficiency, and an increased mandibular occlusal plane angle. Correction of the mandibular defect required both the horizontal advancement of the mandible and a counterclockwise rotation of the proximal segment to reduce the mandibular occlusal plane angle. This was achieved by a combination of distraction osteogenesis to horizontally advance the mandible (14 mm), followed by manipulation of the postdistraction regenerate to reduce the mandibular occlusal plane and increase the symphysial projection. The counterclockwise rotation of the mandibular body resulted in the creation of a posterior open bite. After a three-month period to allow consolidation of the mandibular distraction osteogenesis, secondary maxillary surgery at the Le Fort 1 level was performed to reestablish maxillary occlusal contact at the new mandibular occlusal plane. A genioplasty was also performed to improve chin projection.
