Biomechanics: Sagittal Plane
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In the sagittal plane, the biomechanical effects of linear distractors placed parallel to the inferior border of the mandible, or placed parallel to the occlusal plane were analyzed for cases involving bilateral mandibular lengthening alone or in combination with angular deformity correction (Samchukov et al., 1999).

Bilateral Mandibular Lengthening

A two-dimensional model of the human mandible in the sagittal plane was generated for computer simulation of mandibular osteodistraction. An "osteotomy" of the mandibular body was performed posterior to the third molars, and a linear distractor was positioned on the lateral surface of the bone segments. In Model V, the linear distractors were oriented parallel to the inferior border of the mandible. In Model VI, the distractors were oriented parallel to the maxillary occlusal plane. For each model, the distal bone segment was then moved 10 mm anteriorly, in 1 mm increments.

FIG. 5.2.1, 5.2.2. Computer simulation of mandibular distraction. Model V (left) - distractors oriented parallel to the inferior border of the mandible. Model VI (right) - distractors oriented parallel to the maxillary occlusal plane. For analytical purposes, the following assumptions were made: 1) the proximal bone segment was fixed in space, 2) constant orientation of the distractor relative to the proximal and distal segments, 3) no mandibular or maxillary tooth movement relative to the bone, and 4) the maxillary occlusal plane was the desired final occlusal plane.

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