Craniofacial distraction with a modular internal distraction system: evolution of design and surgical techniques

The present report summarizes the evolution of design for a modular internal distraction system that is applicable throughout the craniofacial region. Eleven patients (5 boys, 6 girls), whose ages ranged from 4 months to 10 years at the time of distraction, constitute the basis for this study. The clinical indications for distraction were exorbitism with corneal exposure (n = 1), obstructive sleep apnea (n = 4), tracheostomy decannulation (n = 1), severe maxillary hypoplasia with class III malocclusion (n = 3), severe vertical and sagittal maxillary deficiency with anophthalmia (n = 1), and relapse following frontoorbital advancement in a case of rare craniofacial clefting (n = 1). Twenty-two distraction devices were used in these 11 patients. Two initial prototypes were tested (prototype 1 = 8 devices; prototype 2 = 2 devices) until the modular internal distraction system (MIDS, Howmedica-Leibinger, Inc.) was developed (n = 12 devices). The craniofacial osteotomies used were Le Fort III (n = 4), monobloc (n = 3), mandibular (n = 3), Le Fort I (n = 2), and cranial (n = 1). The distraction distances ranged from 11 to 28 mm. One patient undergoing mandibular distraction developed transient swelling in the left mandibular region, which responded to antibiotics. There were no other complications. Depending on the age of the patient and the length of distraction, the distraction gap was allowed to consolidate from 6 weeks to 3 months. The devices were then removed on either an outpatient or a 23-hour-stay basis. The modular internal distraction system permits widespread application of easily customizable, buried distraction devices throughout the craniofacial region.