Distraction Osteogenesis for Orthodontists

Reconstruction of craniofaical deformities is a major challenge to oromaxillofacial surgeons. Multiple surgeries are often needed and have to be delayed till the child is older. Postponing the treatment till growth is complete may lead to secondary deformities and psychological problems. Conventional osteotomies require longer hospital stay and are at risk for infection and relapse. Placement of bone graft to correct soft tissue (or) bony defects may lead to donor site morbidity and unpredictable results. Distraction Osteogenesis is a biologic process of new bone formation between the surfaces of bone segments gradually separated by mechanical traction. Specifically, this process is initiated when incremental traction is applied to the reparative callus that joins the divided bone segments surgically separated by osteotomy and continues as long as the tissue is stretched. This traction force in turn generates tension within the tissues that connect the bone segments and stimulates new bone formation parallel to the vector of distraction.