Objective: The present study was undertaken to document whether mandibular length could be increased by distraction osteogenesis in children and what happens to the mandibular position 1 year after the distraction.
Methods: Five patients with hemifacial microsomia (four unilateral, one bilateral) had distraction osteogenesis performed to lengthen the mandible. All patients had cephalometric and panoramic radiographs obtained before and 3, 6, and 12 months after the distraction osteogenesis.
Results: The total mandibular length (Co-Gn) on the affected side was increased by 11.2 mm after the distraction and remained stable during a 1-year observation period. However, the increased mandibular length tended to move the chin downward (8 mm) more than forward (2 mm) during the same period.
Conclusions: Distraction osteogensis can be used to lengthen the hypoplastic mandible. However, most of the increased mandibular length moved the chin downward more than forward.