Discussion

Abstract

Distraction osteogenesis had been used successfully in long bones over the last few decades. 1 Ilizarov GA The tension-stress effect on the genesis and growth of tissues. Part I: The influence of stability of fixation and soft-tissue preservation. Clin Orthop. 1989; 238: 249 PubMed Google Scholar , 2 Ilizarov GA The tension-stress effect on the genesis and growth of tissues. Part II: The influence of the rate and frequency of distraction. Clin Orthop. 1989; 239: 263 PubMed Google Scholar More recently, the method has been extended successfully to the maxillofacial area by using extraoral devices on the mandible 3 McCarthy JG Schreiber J Karp N et al. Lengthening of mandible by gradual distraction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1992; 89: 1 Crossref PubMed Scopus (1563) Google Scholar , 4 Rachmiel A Levy M Laufer D Lengthening of the mandible by distraction osteogenesis. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 1995; 53: 838 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (84) Google Scholar , 5 Molina F Ortiz Monasterio F Mandibular elongation and remodeling by distraction: A farewell to major osteotomies. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1995; 96: 825 Crossref PubMed Scopus (447) Google Scholar and the maxilla. 6 Polley JW Figueroa AA Management of severe maxillary deficiency in childhood and adolescence through distraction osteogenesis with an external, adjustable, rigid distraction device. J Craniofac Surg. 1997; 8: 181 Crossref PubMed Scopus (371) Google Scholar In the last few years, development of miniature devices has permitted intraoral distraction osteogenesis, 7 Diner PA Kollar EM Martinez H et al. Intraoral distraction for mandibular lengthening: A technical innovation. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 1996; 24: 92 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (111) Google Scholar eliminating the disadvantages of the extraoral devices, such as skin scars and social inconvenience to the patient. The results of distraction osteogenesis in long endochondral bones and facial membranous bones, concomitant with development of more miniature distraction devices, has led to the ability to use distraction osteogenesis for small segments such as the alveolar process. 8 Chin M Toth BA Distraction osteogenesis in maxillofacial surgery using internal devices: Review of five cases. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 1996; 54: 45 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (465) Google Scholar , 9 Gaggl A Shultes G Kärcher H Distraction implants: A new operative technique for alveolar ridge augmentation. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 1999; 27: 214 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (89) Google Scholar