DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS

Distraction Osteogenesis (DO), also called "callus distraction", "callotasis" and "osteo-distraction" isa relatively new technique for orthodontists and maxillofacial surgeons which have revolutionized the correction of major skeletal deficiencies. It has gone a long way in reducing the need for osteotomies and grafting in the treatment of dentofacial and craniofacial deformities. The forces applied to bone also create tension in the surrounding soft tissues, initiating a sequence of adaptive changes termed distraction histogenesis. Distraction osteogenesis is may even be teamed with endoscopic techniques to allow the placement of these devices with minimal surgery. It is in the new era of the three dimensional computer mediated preoperative planning and outcome assessment