Purpose: This report presents the results of distraction osteogenesis using unidirectional extraoral and intraoral devices in 8 patients with different grades of vertical mandibular ramus hypoplasia.
Patients and methods: Eight patients with hypoplastic mandibles underwent unilateral lengthening of the ascending ramus using unidirectional extraoral or intraoral devices. Intraoral mandibular distraction was performed on 5 patients with deficiencies of the vertical ramus up to 24 mm. External devices were used in 3 patients with more severe hypoplasias. An intraoral osteotomy was performed, and progressive distraction at rates of 0.5 mm/12 hours was initiated after 5 days. Once the desired length was reached, the device was maintained in place for 8 to 12 weeks. Three-dimensional computed tomography scans were taken in all the patients to plan the procedure and to compare the changes postoperatively.
Results: Successful distraction osteogenesis was achieved in all patients. The amount of mandibular lengthening ranged from 17 to 32 mm. Complications with the external devices such as rotation of the proximal bony fragment (2 cases) and loosening of the external screws at the end of the consolidation period (1 case) were observed.
Conclusions: The results suggest that the intraoral device can be used as the method of choice for distraction osteogenesis of the ascending ramus of the mandible in patients with large deficiencies. Preoperative and postoperative 3-dimensional computed tomographic scans are essential in treatment planning.