[Distraction osteogenesis of the mandibular ramus in hemifacial microsomia].

OBJECTIVE

To study the application of distraction osteogenesis (DO) of the mandibular ramus in hemifacial microsomia.

METHODS

From 1999 to 2006, 15 patients with hemifacial microsomia were treated with DO of the ramus, including 12 cases of children and juveniles, 3 cases of grown-ups. Maxillary Le Fort I osteotomy, unilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy, genioplasty and free scapular flaps were selected to perform on the first or secondary stage of treatment.

RESULTS

Successful distraction was achieved in all patients with an average distraction distance of 21.25 mm. The distractor was removed after consolidation proved by clinical examination and X-ray. Facial appearance and and occlusal relationship were improved greatly. The occlusal plane was almost normal. There was no infection, malunion or permanent injury of inferior alveolar nerve.

CONCLUSIONS

DO of the ramus is very effective for the correction of severe hemifacial microsomia. It has much better therapeutic effect than traditional orthognathic procedures.