Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

A Mouse Distraction Osteogenesis Model
Published on: November 14, 2018
Early intervention: distraction osteogenesis of the mandible for severe airway obstruction
Pamela A Mudd1, Jonathan N Perkins, Jeri E F Harwood
1Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA. pamela.mudd@ucdenver.edu
Insights
Early mandibular distraction osteogenesis in neonates with micrognathia significantly improves airway function and reduces the need for supportive care, including tracheostomy. This intervention facilitates oral feeding and simplifies future procedures.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Symptomatic micrognathia in neonates presents significant challenges, including airway obstruction and feeding difficulties.
- Early intervention is crucial for improving outcomes in affected infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the benefits of early bilateral mandibular distraction osteogenesis (within 90 days of life) in neonates with symptomatic micrognathia.
- To assess the impact on growth, supportive care requirements, and the need for further invasive procedures.
Main Methods:
- A case series with chart review was conducted at a tertiary care academic children's hospital.
- Twenty-four neonates with symptomatic micrognathia who underwent mandibular distraction osteogenesis within the first 90 days of life were included.
- Outcomes measured included hospital course, growth, home care needs, and airway status.
Main Results:
- The mean age at distraction was 30 days, with an average postoperative discharge on day 14.
- Only one patient required home oxygen; 50% achieved exclusive oral feeding.
- No patients required tracheotomy, and 90% demonstrated objective airway improvement.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral mandibular distraction osteogenesis in neonates with symptomatic micrognathia is effective.
- Early intervention facilitates discharge with minimal support, avoiding tracheostomy and promoting oral feeding.
- Significant and sustained airway improvement aids in subsequent procedures like cleft repair.
Objective:
To determine benefits of early intervention in neonates with symptomatic micrognathia who underwent bilateral mandibular distraction osteogenesis within the first 90 days of life as relates to growth, need for supportive care, and further invasive procedures.
Study Design:
Case series with chart review.
Setting:
Tertiary care, academic children's hospital.
Subjects And Methods:
Review of neonates with symptomatic micrognathia who underwent bilateral mandibular distraction osteogenesis in the past 5 years. Inclusion criteria included mandibular distraction osteogenesis performed within the first 90 days of life. Outcome measures included hospital course, growth curves, supportive home care needs, and airway at cleft repair.
Results:
Twenty-four patients met inclusion criteria. The mean age at distraction was 30 days, and the average discharge was postoperative day 14. One patient required home oxygen, 50% were able to feed exclusively by oral diet, and no patients required tracheotomy. In addition, airway results were substantial, with 90% of patients showing objective improvement in airway grade from time of mandibular distraction to time of cleft repair.
Conclusion:
We present our initial outcomes on mandibular distraction osteogenesis in neonates with symptomatic micrognathia. Early intervention allows discharge to home with minimal supportive care needs by avoiding tracheostomy and facilitating transition to oral feeds. The airway improvement is significant and is sustained and allows for easier intubation at time of cleft repair.
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