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Updated: Jul 27, 2026

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Creating Rigidly Stabilized Fractures for Assessing Intramembranous Ossification, Distraction Osteogenesis, or Healing of Critical Sized Defects
Published on: April 11, 2012
Imaging the neonatal mandible for accurate distraction osteogenesis
J T Katzen1, R A Holliday, J G McCarthy
1Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, New York University Medical Center, 560 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|April 21, 2001
Summary
A new computed tomographic technique creates accurate panoramic-like mandibular images for neonatal patients. This method improves visualization of mandibular teeth and aids in precise surgical planning for distraction osteogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Medical Imaging
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Documenting neonatal mandibular teeth position is challenging.
- Standard imaging like Panorex is difficult in uncooperative pediatric patients.
Observation:
- A novel technique utilizes computed tomographic (CT) data.
- This method generates a curved, reformatted mandibular image.
- The resulting image resembles a conventional Panorex view.
Findings:
- The curved, reformatted mandibular image offers accurate visualization of the mandible and its teeth.
- This technique provides precise anatomical detail for surgical interventions.
Implications:
- Facilitates accurate pin placement and osteotomy in pediatric distraction osteogenesis.
- Enhances pre-surgical planning and execution for neonatal mandibular reconstruction.

