Mandibular Lengthening: Orthofix
4 of 15

Jay M. Pensler, MD

Surgical Technique

Next, drill holes are placed in the buccal cortex of the mandible at the corticotomy site. The number and placement of corticotomies are determined after evaluation of preoperative cephalometrics, three-dimensional CT scans, panorex and dental models. The corticotomy is a low-energy unicortical osteotomy of the buccal cortex in conjunction with a greenstick fracture of the lingual border of the mandible designed to preserve the medullary structures. The corticotomy is performed precisely at the site of skeletal hypoplasia, be it ramus or body. The advantage of this technique is that it is not limited by developing tooth buds and/or neurovascular structures.

FIG. 6.1.6.2. Bur holes are placed at the site of the corticotomy on the buccal cortex.