Mandible reconstruction with transport-disc distraction osteogenesis in children of deciduous dentition

Reconstructing segmental mandibular defects in children of deciduous dentition is a challenge. The authors treated a 23-month-old girl with a segmental mandibular defect secondary to tumour resection. Considering the unpredictable negative impacts of the autogenous bone grafting method on the musculoskeletal system of the donor sites, which was growing rapidly at this age, the authors applied transport disc distraction osteogenesis (TDDO) to reconstruct the mandible discontinuity. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time TDDO has been used for mandible reconstruction in such a young patient with deciduous dentition. Aesthetics and function were restored satisfactorily at the end of treatment. The facial appearance and occlusion were stable through the 35 month follow-up, possibly due to the growth of the regenerated bone parallel with the rest of the maxillofacial skeleton. The satisfactory reconstruction also contributed to the patient's physical and psychological development. The success of mandible reconstruction with TDDO in this study casts new light on the management of segmental mandibular defect in children with deciduous dentition.