Mandibular Lengthening: Intraoral Distractor
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P.A. Diner, C. Tomat, G. Franchi, H. Martinez, M.P. Vazquez

Introduction

The challenges that arise when treating mandibular deformities have led to various corrective procedures in the past. In the 1960s and 1970s, many surgeons stressed the importance of bone grafting techniques and extensive osteotomies to address this difficult scenario. Research concentrated on bone grafting and rigid fixation in order to achieve good long-term results. Today autologous bone is preferred whenever possible.

We now have a relatively new way of treating these difficult cases - intraoral distraction osteogenesis with soft tissue coverage of facial bones using precise mechanical microdistractors. The purpose of this presentation is to introduce our six years of experience of using the submerged Intraoral Distractor.

   

FIG. 6.1.9.1, 6.1.9.2. The Intraoral Distractor (Howmedica Leibinger GmbH & Co. KG, Freiburg, Germany).