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Distraction osteogenesis in functional reconstruction of mandible--report of 6 cases
1Peking University School of Stomatology, 38 Bai Shi Qiao Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing 100081, P.R. China.
Objective:
To study the application of distraction osteogenesis in mandibular function reconstruction.
Methods:
Three types of mandibular distractors were used in 6 patients with different mandibular defects due to tumor resection. For 2 cases with ramus defects, specially designed distractors were used to restore the normal height of the ramus. In 1 case, the trifoci distraction principle was used and a trifoci distractor was designed. In 3 cases, vertical distractors made in Germany or China were used. The patient average age was 31.5 years old (ages ranged from 8 to 54).
Results:
In 5 cases the mandibular lengthenings were successful according to the direction and distance chosen before distraction. In 1 case, the trifoci distraction principle was applied and a proximal 23 mm mandibular defect was successfully corrected; however, the 23 mm distal mandibular defect was not corrected because the screws for fixation of the transport block were loosened. Infection and dysosteogenesis did not occur in any cases.
Conclusion:
Distraction osteogenesis can successfully be used in mandibular functional reconstruction and is more advantageous than traditional techniques. The most favorable time for distraction osteogenesis in mandibular reconstruction is at the time of tumor resection.