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."

Controversies in the Management of Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis Using Distraction Osteogenesis - A Systematic Review

“…in 1973 reported mandibular lengthening in canine species using extraoral distractors following which many similar animal experiments were conducted by eminent researchers that proved DO is not restricted to long bones. [ 4 5 6 ] McCarthy et al . in 1992 performed mandibular lengthening of four syndromic patients (hemifacial microsomia, Nager syndrome) using DO.…”