[Treatment of airway obstruction with mandibular distraction osteogenesis in Pierre Robin syndrome].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility of mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) in the treatment of airway obstruction in Pierre Robin syndrome (PRS).

METHODS

From 2007 to 2009, 8 newborns with PRS were treated with MDO. The mandibular distractors were fixed after bilateral oblique mandibular osteotomy. The distraction was started one day after operation, three times a day. The distraction distance was 1.2 mm per day until it reached about 12 -20 mm (mean 15 mm).

RESULTS

The distraction was successfully completed in 8 cases with no complication. The distraction distance reached 15 mm, as we expected. The discontinuity cyanosis, inspiratory dyspnea, dystithia were improved after distraction.

CONCLUSIONS

MDO is feasible and safe for the treatment of airway obstruction in PRS.