The use of distraction osteogenesis to treat hemifacial microsomia: a clinical report.

Distraction osteogenesis is a method of forming bone through osteotomy and sequential stretching of the healing callus. This process is accomplished with the aid of a distraction device, which is secured with screws placed directly into bone for a predetermined length of time. This clinical report describes the use of distraction osteogenesis to treat mandibular asymmetry in a patient with Goldenhar's syndrome, a form of hemifacial microsomia. After treatment, the patient had a more rounded facial contour and corrected occlusal plane.