The application of distraction osteogenesis to the maxillofacial skeleton

Distraction osteogenesis is a new concept of treatment initiated from orthopaedic surgery and is gaining rapid acceptance by oral and maxillofacial surgeons as a treatment for severe craniofacial syndromes. This paper reviews the application of this new technique to the cranio-maxillofacial area and presents our experience from the use of intra-oral distractors in China.