Distraction of scarred soft tissue before secondary bone grafting. A case report.

Mandibular distraction was performed to restore oral function in a 52-year-old man with tongue cancer, in whom a mandibular fracture developed after marginal resection of the mandible. The fracture caused the mandibular dental arch to be shorter than the maxillary arch. An external fixation device was attached to the collapsed mandible. The mandibular soft tissue was expanded by 32 mm. After gradual distraction, a vascularized iliac bone graft was transferred to the lengthened space. Subsequently, vestibuloplasty was performed and implants were inserted. A normal appearance, acceptable occlusion and satisfactory oral function were achieved.