[Distraction osteogenesis in the head and neck region]

Distraction osteogenesis is used in oral and maxillofacial surgery for the purpose of lengthening or widening an upper or lower jaw or to reposition the jaw to such an extent as cannot be achieved with normal osteotomy. This technique moves the parts of an osteomised bone slowly apart. Subsequently, new trabecular bone growth occurs between the separate bone parts that is then turned into bone with a normal mineralised architecture. Extraoral distractors can be fitted, activated, positioned and removed fairly easily. Distractors for intraoral placement do not cause any extraoral scars and are less burdensome in their daily use. Some distractors can impede access to the larynx and the trachea. For elective surgical procedures, the accessibility of the larynx can be judged with a laryngoscope for the induction and ending of anaesthesia. Should the intraoral or extraoral distractors form any obstruction in this process, then they should be removed. The alternatives are fibroscopic intubation and emergency tracheotomy.