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Updated: Oct 20, 2025

A Mouse Distraction Osteogenesis Model
Published on: November 14, 2018
Distraction Osteogenesis and Customized Temporomandibular Joint Prosthesis in the Reconstruction of a Large
Weber Ceo Cavalcante1, Paula Rizerio D'Andrea Espinheira1, Sandra de Cássia Santana Sardinha1
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Federal Bahia University, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
The Rationale:
Mandibular resections involve esthetic and functional impairment and impose a challenge during the reconstruction. This case report is a successful reconstruction with distraction osteogenesis (DO) and customized temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prosthesis.
Patient Concerns:
A 51-year-old male patient presented with a complaint of facial asymmetry, mastication, and speech difficulties.
Diagnosis:
As the patient had undergone a hemimandibulectomy procedure 20 years ago, clinical examination showed facial asymmetry. Radiographic examination exhibited the defect and a radiopaque image representing Kirschner's wire.
Treatment:
DO by bone transport was performed, followed by dental implant and TMJ prosthesis placement.
Outcomes:
DO is a viable treatment option in resections, even when the defect was generated by an ancient injury. The follow-up is around 7 years after the osteogenic distraction, with no complaints and functional capacity.
Take-Away Lessons:
The major challenge in mandibular reconstructions through DO is to reproduce the curve of the arch.

