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Updated: May 25, 2025

A Mouse Distraction Osteogenesis Model
Published on: November 14, 2018
Using in-house 3D technology for optimal spatial positioning of elongation devices for distraction osteogenesis-a
Adi Rachmiel1,2, Dekel Shilo1,2, Ahmad Hija2
1Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
Introduction:
Mandibular distraction osteogenesis is globally accepted as the gold-standard surgical solution for various craniofacial deformities and syndromes. Stock device evolution has advanced into complex designs to achieve the most accurate three-dimensional distraction vector of elongation. Today's cutting-edge solution is patient-specific distractors designed by virtual surgical planning (VSP) to facilitate surgical performance and ensure the most predictable clinical results. However, tailoring patient-specific distractors comes with a significant price tag.
Methods:
Using VSP technology, we developed an inexpensive stepwise method of precisely directing the distraction vector by adapting off-the-shelf distractors for the individual contour of the patients' mandibles based on the in-house designed and printed cutting guides.
Results:
The virtual planning sequence and clinical application are described in detail. The final results are assessed by 3D analysis to confirm the method's precision and predictability.
Discussion:
The final positions of the adapted off-the-shelf distractors were found to match the pre-operative virtual planning precisely, resulting in excellent clinical results. This method can be easily reproduced in similar clinical cases with reduced cost.

