Reconstruction of condyles by transport distraction osteogenesis: 3 case report with complication management

The aim of this case report is to evaluate the clinical outcomes that including minor postoperative complications of the transport distraction osteogenesis (TDO) for reconstruction of the ramus-condyle unit.

We present 3 cases of the ramus-condyle unit reconstruction after the resection of bone tumors. All three bone tumors were excised intraoperatively and the histologic assessment confirmed the clinical diagnosis of osteochondroma, condylar hyperplasia, and osteoma.

Although postoperative minor complications were noted; all patients had satisfactory lateral and protrusive jaw movements, and also adequate mouth openings.

TDO for reconstruction of the ramus-condyle unit is an effective treatment modality for TMJ reconstruction. However, after condylectomy with resection of the condylar neck, it seems to be a reliable approach to adjust the distraction vector slightly posterior to maintain the transport segment in glenoid fossa to prevent the premature contact of bony segments, especially for individuals who have shorter anteroposterior ramus length in the axial plane.