Frontofacial monobloc advancement using gradual bone distraction method

For children with craniosynostosis presenting intracranial hypertension and facial hypoplasia, different techniques have been used. Commonly, an initial frontoorbital advancement to expand a tight cranium volume was followed by Le Fort III osteotomy to repair midface abnormalities several months later. The 2-stage surgeries were unified into a I-step procedure to optimize treatment. We here report results of frontofacial monobloc advancement, applying gradual distraction by a rigid external distraction device. Three patients were treated with excellent functional and cosmetic outcome with high rate of patient satisfaction. There was no remarkable complication. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.