Background: Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a biologic process of new bone formation between the surfaces of bone segments that are gradually separated by incremental traction. It consists of 4 primary phases, namely, corticotomy and device placement, a latency period, active distraction, and consolidation. The objectives of the current study were to review DO as it applies to maxillomandibular defects and to share our clinical experience in the cases we have done.
Methods: A clinical narrative review of the literature was performed to evaluate the use and efficacy of maxillomandibular osteogenesis in maxillomandibular defects. A systematic search of the literature was performed using PubMed, with special interest in the history of DO and its application in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery. medical subject headings terms included surgical procedures, osteogenesis, distraction, and orthodontics. Two cases of maxillomandibular DO managed at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Nigeria, were reported and discussed.
Results: Articles involving maxillary and midface distractions, bilateral distraction for airway obstruction, and distraction for hemifacial microstomia were all reviewed. In the first case reported, a unidirectional distractor was used to achieve simultaneous mandibular lengthening and maxillary occlusal correction. Gains of 10 mm in mandibular ramal height and 23 mm in corpus length were achieved in the second reported case, using a bidirectional distractor. The literature search revealed no previous Nigerian reports of maxillomandibular DO.
Conclusions: The DO is a viable and available treatment option for reconstructing maxillomandibular discrepancies and accompanying soft and hard tissue deficiencies.