Combined Bimaxillary Distraction Osteogenesis Associated with Orthognathic Surgery for Hemifacial Microsomia in Adults.

BACKGROUND

Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is one of the most common congenital craniofacial asymmetries. Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is always recommended as an effective option for the treatment of HFM, but some studies showed that the asymmetry remained after DO. In comparison with DO, stable clinical outcomes could be achieved by orthognathic surgery approach as well. However, soft tissue expansion cannot be performed. In this study, we aim to assess the radiographic and clinical results of bimaxillary DO associated with staged orthognathic surgery in the treatment of craniofacial asymmetry for adult HFM patients.

METHODS

Twelve HFM patients who had been treated with bimaxillary DO and secondary orthognathic surgery between 2006 and 2013 were included in this study. Bimaxillary DO and staged orthognathic surgery were performed according to the particular condition. Clinical and cephalometric photographs were carried out pre- and postoperatively to evaluate the outcomes.

RESULTS

No significant complications occurred postoperatively. Excellent cosmetic outcomes such as notable improvement in facial pattern and occlusion were achieved. Cephalometrically, the height ratios of the affected/unaffected ramus were improved by 23.81% on average, and the photographic analysis demonstrated a rotation of the chin point toward the mid-line. Moreover, the occlusal cant was corrected from the slant to level by 8.95° on average.

CONCLUSION

The application of bimaxillary DO associated with staged orthognathic surgery in correcting the asymmetry of adult patients with HFM could have satisfactory aesthetic results, and it should be considered an alternative option for these patients.

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