Objective: To analyze the number and type of complications during mandibular midline distraction.
Materials and methods: The records of 100 consecutive patients who underwent mandibular midline distraction were evaluated, and complications which occurred up to 2 weeks after surgery were recorded.
Results: Fourteen patients had complications during the distraction period. In four cases the screw of the appliance rotated back between the activations. In three cases the osteotomy had to be repeated because the symphysis did not open; two cases developed scar strictures, in another two a lower incisor fractured. One case developed an abscess, one a mandibular swelling, and one a large gingival recession.
Conclusions: Complications during or shortly after mandibular midline distraction surgery are relatively rare and mostly mild or transient. Only 3% of the patients presented irreversible damage. Thus, mandibular midline distraction appears to be a relatively safe method of expanding the mandible.