Osteogenic Distraction within the Craniofacial Complex

From Volume 27, Issue 9, November 2000 | Pages 426-431

Authors

C. Rye Mattick

BChD, FDS RCS(Eng.), MSc, MOrth RCS(Eng.), FDS RCS(Orth.)

Senior Registrar in Orthodontics, Manchester University Dental Hospital and Burnley General Hospital

Articles by C. Rye Mattick

Abstract

Osteogenic distraction is a method of increasing bone length, and was developed by orthopaedic surgeons. It is now being used in the craniofacial region. This paper outlines some of the suggested uses: mandibular distraction can be used to correct hypoplasia and asymmetry in both children and adults; maxillary distraction can bring the midface forward, and holds potential for people with cleft lip and palate; augmentation of alveolar ridges and regeneration of mandibular tissue following tumour resection show considerable promise. The complex spatial dimensions of the craniofacial bones present considerable challenges for this developing technique.

Article