Two-year follow-up of distraction osteogenesis: its effect on mandibular ramus height in hemifacial microsomia

Distraction osteogenesis has been used to lengthen the mandible in patients with hemifacial microsomia. Questions regarding soft tissue and skeletal growth after distraction osteogenesis have not been clearly elucidated in the literature. In this case report, a 2-year follow-up of distraction osteogenesis in a 7 year old boy is documented with lateral and posterior/anterior cephalometric analysis. The analysis was performed preoperatively and at specific postsurgical periods to evaluate the facial soft tissue and skeletal growth patterns. Objective analysis of this growing patient after distraction osteogenesis clearly demonstrates that the anteroposterior elongation of the mandible is relatively stable, whereas the vertical lengthening and soft tissue effects are minimal. Critical evaluation of other patients who have undergone distraction osteogenesis is needed to determine if this was an isolated incident or the expected result in similar patients.