Distraction osteogenesis of the maxilla - additionally or alternatively to Le Fort-osteotomies

The purpose of this paper was to find out. if the technique of distraction osteogenesis in patients with severe maxillary deficiency allows more stability and if maxillary distraction even is able to replace conventional Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy. During the last 15 months 12 maxillary distractions were performed with an advancement of the maxilla between 9 and 15 mm. In 2 cases a face mask mask and in 10 cases the external rigid device described by Polley was used. In all patients the planned advancement of the maxilla was achieved. In most cases an sagittal horizontal overcorrection of 1-2 mm was performed and an anterior open bite was closed using elastics. Although distraction distances were large in comparison to conventional surgery we saw only one partial relapse. The results of our study indicate that distraction osteogenesis offers the possibly of advancement of the maxilla with the required control. The technique allows treatment also in early childhood.