Distraction Rate and Latency: Factors in the Outcome of Pediatric Mandibular Distraction

Abstract

Eliminating the latency period and rapidly distracting the mandible in pediatric cases has an acceptably low complication rate. This benefits the patient in terms of an overall reduction in the amount of time that the child needs to remain in the distraction device. The patient spends less time with the distraction device, thus reducing the potential morbidity and increased cost of the treatment. Potential explanations for why this variation in distraction technique is successful include the improved blood supply in the face of children and the failure of external devices to translate all the distracted movements to the bone interface. Some of this force is translated into both bending of the pins and migration of the pins through bone. Although a latency period might be necessary in the distraction of the lower extremities, the application of this concept to the craniofacial skeleton in children is erroneous.