Midface distraction in an adult patient with Crouzon syndrome

We treated midface hypoplasia in an adult patient with Crouzon syndrome using a rigid external distraction device. The patient showed severe maxillary retrusion, although relatively good occlusion had been achieved. We devised a segmental approach to resolve our patient's condition. The midface, mobilized by Le Fort III osteotomy, was divided into two segments by Le Fort I osteotomy; each fragment was connected to the rigid external distraction device to be distracted separately. The patient's occlusion was fully corrected, and her facial contour was significantly improved. No relapse was observed 1 year later. Our method was helpful in increasing the usefulness of the external distraction system and in refining the midface distraction procedure.