Distraction osteogenesis in the maxilla for a patient with a repaired cleft lip and palate: a case report

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) has gained wide acceptance as a viable modality for lengthening hypoplastic skeletal structures in the maxillofacial region. For patients with cleft lip and palate with skeletal maxillary deficiency, this technique has recently been applied extensively as an alternative to orthognathic surgical procedures. Decreased intraoperative morbidity and rates of postoperative midface regression along with esthetically acceptable soft tissue profile are the main advantages of this procedure against traditional osteotomies. This case report documents the use of rigid external distraction (RED) in the treatment of a 20-year-old female patient with midface deficiency secondary to cleft lip and palate repair.