Cleft Lip and Palate: LeFort I Distraction with Halo and Hybrid Internal Maxillary Distractors.

Distraction osteogenesis is a viable treatment option for patients with a cleft associated with severe maxillary retrusion. A rigid external distraction device and a hybrid internal maxillary distractor have been used to advance the maxilla allowing for predictable and stable results. These techniques can be applied by itself or as an adjunct to traditional orthognathic procedures. The technical aspects are presented. These procedures tend to be simpler and demonstrate great stability compared to traditional surgical methods. The reasons for stability are discussed.

Rigid External Distractors in Midface Fractures: A Review of Relevant and Related Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Literature discussing the use of rigid external distraction devices in midfacial trauma is limited. Rigid external distraction devices have been described for use in craniofacial surgery, allowing for distraction and stabilization of bony segments. In complex facial trauma, bony fragments are often comminuted and unstable, making traditional approaches with internal fixation difficult. Moreover, these approaches require subperiosteal dissection, limiting blood supply that is important for bone healing. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the role of rigid external distraction devices for the treatment of complex facial trauma. METHODS: We performed a literature review of rigid external distraction devices, as relevant both for facial trauma and for other craniofacial indications, to better elucidate their use and efficacy in complex facial fractures. RESULTS: The review revealed only 2 articles explicitly describing rigid external distraction devices for facial trauma, while 6 other articles describing its use for other craniofacial cases. An important benefit associated with the use of rigid external distraction devices is their ability to provide controlled traction of bony segments while also allowing for movement as needed for fracture reduction. Various articles describe performing internal fixation following rigid external distraction device usage, while others emphasize that internal fixation is not necessarily indicated if the rigid external distraction device is left intact long enough to ensure bony healing. One potential setback described is unfamiliarity with using the rigid external distraction device, which can preclude its use by many surgeons. In addition, the literature review did not provide any uniform guidelines or recommendations about how long rigid external distraction devices should remain intact. CONCLUSION: Based on relevant literature, rigid external distraction devices have been shown to be useful in the stabilization and treatment of complex facial fractures. Further studies should be conducted to better elucidate the specific indications for rigid external distraction devices in complex facial trauma.

Le Fort III Distraction With Internal vs External Distractors: A Cephalometric Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study compares the change in midface position following Le Fort III advancement using either rigid external distraction (group 1) or internal distraction (group 2). We hypothesized that, with reference to right-facing cephalometry, internal distraction would result in increased clockwise rotation and inferior displacement of the midface. DESIGN: Le Fort III osteotomies and standardized distraction protocols were performed on 10 cadaveric specimens per group. Right-facing lateral cephalograms were traced and compared across time points to determine change in position at points orbitale, anterior nasal spine (ANS), A-point, and angle ANB. SETTING: Institutional. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: Twenty cadaveric head specimens. INTERVENTIONS: Standard subcranial Le Fort III osteotomies were performed from a coronal approach and adequately mobilized. The specified distraction mechanism was applied and advanced by 15 mm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Changes of position were calculated at various skeletal landmarks: orbitale, ANS, A-point, and ANB. RESULTS: Group 1 demonstrated relatively uniform x-axis advancement with minimal inferior repositioning at the A-point, ANS, and orbitale. Group 2 demonstrated marked variation in x-axis advancement among the 3 points, along with a significant inferior repositioning and clockwise rotation of the midface ( P < .0001). CONCLUSION: External distraction resulted in more uniform advancement of the midface, whereas internal distraction resulted in greater clockwise rotation and inferior displacement. External distraction appears to provide increased vector control of the midface, which is important in creating a customized distraction plan based on the patient's individual occlusal and skeletal needs.

Profile Changes and Stability following Distraction Osteogenesis with Rigid External Distraction in Adult Cleft Lip and Palate Deformities.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to analyze the hard and soft-tissue profile changes as well as the upper airway changes after distraction osteogenesis (DO) using rigid external distraction device in adult cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients. The study also evaluates the stability of the surgical result. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken: Predistraction (T1), postdistraction (T2), and 1 year after distractor removal (T3). The treatment changes (T1 vs. T2) and the stability (T2 vs. T3) were analyzed. The overall treatment changes after 1 year were also evaluated (T1 vs. T3). The lateral cephalograms were digitally analyzed with the help of software named Dolphin. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks test was used, and the probability value (P value) of 0.05 was considered as statistically significant level. RESULTS: Eleven adult patients with CLP were retrospectively analyzed. After distraction, there was a significant mean maxillary advancement of 14 mm (P < 0.01) from a T1 value of 73.54 ± 10.38 to a T2 value of 88.2 ± 10.49. The lower facial height and the incisor exposure were significantly increased. The nasolabial angle had a significant improvement of 24.5° (P < 0.01) from a T1 value of 56.6 ± 21.03 to a T2 value of 81.18 ± 14.4.The upper airway was significantly improved by 3.7 mm (P < 0.01) with a T1 value of 13.5 ± 3.8 to a T2 value of 17.2 ± 3.66. After 1-year follow-up, there was a significant maxillary relapse of 3.20 mm (P < 0.05) from a T2 value of 8.29 ± 6.84 to a T3 value of 5.09 ± 5.59. However, the soft-tissue profile and upper airway remained stable. CONCLUSION: The clinician should have an understanding of the related hard and soft tissues as well as airway changes which may assist him when planning for maxillary advancement for CLP patients with DO. There were significant improvements immediately after distraction, but during the 1-year follow-up, some relapse was seen. This stressed on the need for overcorrection of about 35%-40% for adult CLP patients.

Maxillary Distraction Osteogenesis in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients with Rigid External Distraction System.

AIM: Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a treatment option for patients with maxillary hypoplasia secondary to cleft lip and palate (CLP). PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to present a technique for maxillary DO using Le Fort I osteotomy with rigid external distraction (RED) system. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The patient presented in this paper was an Asian female with CLP aged 13 years and 6 months. She presented with severe midfacial deficiency with a Class III dental malocclusion with a negative overjet and concave facial profile. Cone-beam computed tomography images were recorded preoperatively and the operation performed involved a high Le Fort I osteotomy. The appliance fabricated was banded to upper first molars used for anchorage of the RED system. Distraction of the maxilla was initiated after 7-day latency period. RESULTS: Postoperative cephalometric analysis showed maxillary advancement anteriorly and superiorly, the total distraction treatment period was 10 days. The maxillary advancement was 10.5 mm and the SNA angle increased from 67.5° to 77.9°. Furthermore, the ANB angle changed from -9.8° to 1.6° and the occlusion changed from Class III to Class I. The profile of the face changed from concave to convex and a much better esthetic result was achieved. CONCLUSION: The study suggests RED system to be a reliable alternative procedure for the treatment of midfacial hypoplasia with or without cleft. Furthermore, it minimizes the risk of the surgical procedure and shortens the operating time.

A novel technique to secure the Rigid External Distraction (RED) frame in a thin skull allowing sutural mid-face distraction.

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) has revolutionised the treatment of mid-face hypoplasia in children, allowing advancement of the mid-face in excess of that achievable by traditional Le Fort III osteotomy. One method of performing DO is to use an externally applied frame, such as the Rigid External Distraction (RED) frame. However, at young ages the cranial bone is often too weak to support the frame, preventing its safe use. We present the case of a patient with Crouzon syndrome who required mid-face distraction at 4-months of age due to severe exorbitism, raised intracranial pressure and airway compromise. In order to allow safe application of an external distraction frame laminated bone grafts were secured to the cranium at the areas of frame pin insertion. We believe this to be the first reported case of the use of the patients own cranial bone to create laminated bone grafts and thicken the site of pin insertion. The method described adds to the armamentarium of the surgeon treating these patients who require placement of an external distraction frame for DO at a young age where the thickness of the cranial bone may otherwise prevent safe application.

A Case Report of RED II Distraction Osteogenesis and Early Rigid Fixation by Minimal Invasive Approach Le Fort III Osteotomy in Crouzon's Disease

PURPOSE: Rigid external distraction(RED) is a highly effective technique for correction of maxillary hypoplasia in patients with cleft or syndromic craniosynostosis. Despite many advantages of RED, it also has the problem of relapse as the conventional advancement surgery. Bicoronal approach, that is the common approach to gain access to the craniofacial skeleton, had some morbidity, such as hair loss, sensory loss, wide scar and temporal hollowing. We present our clinical experience of RED distraction with minimal invasive approach and early rigid fixation to overcome these disadvantages. METHODS: A 27-year-old female patient with Crouzon's disease underwent Le Fort III osteotomy and RED device application through the minimal invasive direct skin incisions. After the latent period of 5 days, distraction was undertaken until proper convexity and advancement were obtained. During the rigid retention period, inflammation occurred on the right cheek, and proper conservative managements were done including continuous irrigation. To maintain the stability of distraction, early rigid fixation was undertaken on the osteotomy sites through another skin incisions. Preoperative and postoperative orthodontic treatments were performed. Serial photographs and cephalometric radiographs were obtained preoperatively, after distraction and 6 months after distraction. RESULTS: The cephalometric analysis demonstrated postoperatively significant advancement of the maxilla and improvement of facial convexity. After 6-month follow-up period, the maxilla was stable in the sagittal plane and no relapse was found. Facial scars were not noticeable and other deformity and morbidity did not occur. CONCLUSION: This effective and stable technique will be a good alternative for the patients who need large amount of distraction and for adult patients with severe maxillary hypoplasia or syndromic craniosynostosis.

A Case Report of RED II Distraction Osteogenesis and Early Rigid Fixation by Minimal Invasive Approach Le Fort III Osteotomy in Crouzon's Disease

PURPOSE: Rigid external distraction(RED) is a highly effective technique for correction of maxillary hypoplasia in patients with cleft or syndromic craniosynostosis. Despite many advantages of RED, it also has the problem of relapse as the conventional advancement surgery. Bicoronal approach, that is the common approach to gain access to the craniofacial skeleton, had some morbidity, such as hair loss, sensory loss, wide scar and temporal hollowing. We present our clinical experience of RED distraction with minimal invasive approach and early rigid fixation to overcome these disadvantages. METHODS: A 27-year-old female patient with Crouzon's disease underwent Le Fort III osteotomy and RED device application through the minimal invasive direct skin incisions. After the latent period of 5 days, distraction was undertaken until proper convexity and advancement were obtained. During the rigid retention period, inflammation occurred on the right cheek, and proper conservative managements were done including continuous irrigation. To maintain the stability of distraction, early rigid fixation was undertaken on the osteotomy sites through another skin incisions. Preoperative and postoperative orthodontic treatments were performed. Serial photographs and cephalometric radiographs were obtained preoperatively, after distraction and 6 months after distraction. RESULTS: The cephalometric analysis demonstrated postoperatively significant advancement of the maxilla and improvement of facial convexity. After 6-month follow-up period, the maxilla was stable in the sagittal plane and no relapse was found. Facial scars were not noticeable and other deformity and morbidity did not occur. CONCLUSION: This effective and stable technique will be a good alternative for the patients who need large amount of distraction and for adult patients with severe maxillary hypoplasia or syndromic craniosynostosis.

Internal VS. rigid external distraction device for the maxillary hypoplasia of cleft patients

Midface Advancement with Rigid External Distraction System in Crouzon's Disease

Distraction osteogenesis has become an alternative technique to treat craniomaxillofacial anomalies. It was initially used to treat mandibular dysplasia and now it is applied to other regions of the craniofacial skeleton. We now present our clinical experience of midface distraction with the use of rigid external distraction for the treatment of an 8-years-old girl with midface hypoplasia in Crouzon's disease, who had undergone fronto-orbital advancement at the age of 6. We performed midface advancement by Le Fort III osteotomy with rigid external distraction system(RED II, KLS Martin, Jacksonville, FL). The active distraction was initiated on the 3rd postoperative day and was continued until the 20th postoperative day for 18 days. The rate of distraction can be adjusted during this time according to clinical judgment and cephalometric assessment. On completion of distraction, the RED II was left in place without activation for 25 days for rigid retention. The RED II was then removed and an orthodontic facemask was applied with elastic traction for 6wks. The total amount of distraction was 18.5mm, 28.5mm, 10.5mm, 14.5mm at right inferior orbital rim, left inferior orbital rim, right intraoral, left intraoral area respectively. The photography, cephalometry, and 3D CT(3 dimensional computed tomography) show that facial convexity was improved. We could correct midface deficiency successfully by LeFort III osteotomy and rigid external distraction.