Patient satisfaction related to rigid external distraction osteogenesis

The aim of this study was to evaluate satisfaction with treatment among cleft lip and palate patients who underwent maxillary advancement using a rigid external distraction (RED) device. Nine patients (four boys, five girls), mean age 17.7 years (SD 4.0), were included in the study. Outcome measures included satisfaction with facial appearance and function (sensitivity/pain, discomfort during daily functioning, daily activities, speech, eating and/or drinking, expression of affection) before, during and after treatment with the RED device assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Before treatment, the majority of patients were not satisfied with their facial appearance. Some received negative remarks about their appearance and experienced minor functional problems. Dissatisfaction with appearance, negative remarks and functional problems increased significantly during active treatment, and the majority of patients experienced pain or sensitivity. After treatment all patients but one were satisfied with their appearance and level of function. Overall patient satisfaction after treatment with a RED device is high, but the active treatment period, during which the frame is worn, significantly compromises function and may be painful. For most patients, satisfaction with the final result and appearance outweighs the negative factors they reported.