Transport Distraction Osteogenesis of a Dentoalveolar Segment in the Posterior Mandible: A Technical Note

Abstract

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a widely used technique for reconstruction of maxillofacial defects.1-7 Dentoalveolar distraction of maxillary clefts is a verified method for reducing wide clefts to obtain successful alveolar bone grafting.1,2,5 Reconstruction of vertical alveolar defects by DO is a routine procedure in anterior mandibular ridges. However, insufficient distance between the mandibular crest and the inferior alveolar nerve limits performing the appropriate osteotomy lines and makes the placement of alveolar distractors unsafe with the potential risk of damaging the inferior alveolar nerve.