Distraction Osteogenesis

It took almost 20 years before knowledge of Ilizarov¿s work reached the English-speaking world, but since then his method has been used worldwide. Moreover, it was soon recognized that, due to the universal nature of the underlying biologic mechanisms of osteogenesis and soft tissue adaptation, the distraction process can be applied for repair of craniofacial deformities involving bones with divergent geometry in growth, development, and configuration. Correction of these deformities has become a highly refined art that requires the use of mechanical devices different from those used for long bones.Distraction osteogenesis is a reliable method for regeneration of bone deficiencies: the technique depends upon the blood supply, stable fixation, and gradual stretching. Different devices that provide stable fixation (e.g., external fixators, plate¿s intramedullary nails) can propagate distraction osteogenesisand, therefore, allow for creative applications to areas such as the facial bones.Potentially distraction provides the esthetic advantages associated with typical orthodontic expansion procedures without the same risk of relapse, further it also eliminates the need of extraction. Continued research and advancement in this era may soon allow distraction osteogenesis to replace major cranio-facial operations.