Distraction Osteogenesis in Craniofacial Surgery: Past, Present, and Future

Area of Science:

• Craniofacial surgery
• Orthognathic surgery
• Regenerative medicine

Background:

• Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a primary surgical treatment for craniofacial skeleton malformations.
• DO facilitates bone and soft tissue regeneration at the distraction site.
• It offers successful long-term outcomes for diverse craniofacial deformities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolution of distraction osteogenesis applications in craniofacial surgery.
• To provide an overview of the literature spanning the last 35 years.
• To highlight the advancements and established role of DO in treating craniofacial deformities.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of distraction osteogenesis in craniofacial surgery.
• Analysis of studies published over the past 35 years.
• Synthesis of information on DO techniques and outcomes.

Main Results:

• DO is a preferred method for correcting craniofacial deformities.
• DO promotes bone and soft tissue generation.
• Long-term outcomes are consistently successful.

Conclusions:

• Distraction osteogenesis has significantly advanced craniofacial surgery.
• Its ability to regenerate bone and soft tissue makes it a valuable technique.
• DO remains a cornerstone treatment for craniofacial malformations.