Posterior mandibular alveolar distraction osteogenesis utilizing an extraosseous distractor: a prospective study

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Atrophic posterior mandible presents challenges for dental implant placement and prosthodontic rehabilitation.
• Distraction osteogenesis offers a method for bone augmentation in deficient alveolar ridges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of an extraosseous distractor in achieving bone elongation for treating atrophic posterior mandibles.
• To evaluate bone regeneration and potential complications associated with this technique.

Main Methods:

• A clinical study involving 10 patients (14 surgical sites) with atrophic posterior mandibles.
• Alveolar bone distraction using an extraosseous distractor, followed by a consolidation period.
• Pre- and post-operative panoramic radiographs were used for evaluation.

Main Results:

• Achieved a mean bone distraction of 5.12 mm, with a range of 2.32 to 8.11 mm.
• Observed mean bone resorption of 0.88 mm above the upper miniplate.
• Calculated the efficacy of the extraosseous distractor to be 73.45% on average.

Conclusions:

• Bone regeneration was consistently achieved in all patients treated with the extraosseous distractor.
• Recommended performing greater distraction than planned to account for distractor rod inclination and bone loss.
• Adjusting distraction protocols can enhance the overall efficacy of distraction osteogenesis.