Clinical application of distraction osteogenesis for traumatic maxillofacial deformities

Treatment including occlusal function is important for maxillofacial fractures. Because distraction osteogenesis is now used frequently for the treatment of various types of congenital maxillary hypoplasia, the authors applied this technique to six cases of traumatic maxillofacial deformity caused by old maxillofacial fractures. Several kinds of devices were used for the various deformities associated with severe malocclusion, resulting in extension of both bone and soft tissues. In each case, favorable facial aesthetics and occlusion were achieved. Distraction osteogenesis also appears to be an extremely effective method for repair of traumatic maxillofacial deformities.