The floating bone technique of the vertical ramus in hemifacial microsomia: case report

This article describes a case in which distraction osteogenesis of the vertical ramus of the mandible was used for a young woman with hemifacial microsomia. Failure of distraction occurred because of the wrong vector of distraction. The floating bone technique was applied to the vertical ramus and was used to correct the malocclusion and to recover the height of the vertical ramus. Complete skeletal correction of the asymmetry was obtained, with excellent esthetic results. The case shows that the floating bone technique is a valid method to help the surgeon in the management of malocclusion after distraction and also in cases of failure of distraction. The floating bone is possible on both the vertical ramus and on the horizontal ramus.