Although external distraction for advancement of the midface may have greater flexibility
than internal distraction for the modification of movement vectors during the distraction
period,
1
it can be at the expense of stability of the fragment during the latent phase before
distraction begins. In our experience this has never been a problem in straightforward
cases, but in more complex cases that have less hard and soft tissue support at the
margins of the osteotomy cuts, we have found that the fragments tend to drop under
the influence of gravity until the cartilaginous callus is formed. Examples where
we have done this are after injuries caused by blasts, or in cases of hypoplastic
tissue secondary to congenital craniofacial diagnoses.To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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Reference
- Midface distraction osteogenesis: internal vs. external devices.International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2011; 40: 139-145
Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 23, 2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
