Distraction osteogenesis in the craniofacial skeleton

Bone deficiency in the craniofacial skeleton has posed a challenge to craniomaxillofacial surgeons for many decades. Sliding osteotomies and bone grafting have been traditional staples for correcting bone deficiency. In recent years, especially with the advent of newer devices, mechanically induced growth of bone and soft tissue has be-come a major tool in the correction of bony deficiency of the skull and face. In this article, the authors discuss the physiology and technique of distraction osteogenesis, or mechanically induced growth,for the correction of congenital and acquired facial deformities.