Lengthening the Human Mandible by Gradual Distraction

TLDR

Gradual mandibular distraction was performed on four young patients, lengthening the mandible 18–24 mm, with one Nager's syndrome case, followed by 9 weeks of external fixation and 11–20 months of clinical, dental, photographic, and radiographic follow‑up. The results suggest the technique offers a promising early reconstruction of craniofacial skeletal defects without requiring bone grafts, blood transfusion, or intermaxillary fixation.

Abstract

Lengthening of the mandible by gradual distraction was performed on four young patients (average age 78 months). The amount of mandibular bone lengthening ranged from 18 to 24 mm; one patient with Nager's syndrome underwent bilateral mandibular expansion. Following the period of expansion, the patients were maintained in external fixation for an average of 9 weeks to allow ossification. The patients were followed for a minimum of 11 months to a maximum of 20 months with clinical and dental examinations as well as photographic and radiographic documentation. The technique holds promise for early reconstruction of craniofacial skeletal defects without the need for bone grafts, blood transfusion, or intermaxillary fixation.