Distraction osteogenesis: role and clinical applications in the maxillofacial region.

Distraction osteogenesis or callostasis is a technique of new bone formation by gradual separation of bony fragments. The method was first developed for limb lengthening but recently this process was widely applied to the cranio-maxillofacial bones. The application included unlimited bone lengthening and reconstruction of segmental defects. Several designs of extra-oral and intra-oral distraction devices were invented to suit different areas of craniofacial bone. Nevertheless intraoral distractors have several advantages including minimal scarring and being less cumbersome. Clinical cases using distraction osteogenesis as an alternative treatment to conventional surgical procedures for maxillo-mandibular lengthening and reconstruction of alveolar segmental defects after tumour resection before implant installation are presented and discussed.