Mandibular distraction osteogenesis in unilateral craniofacial microsomia: preliminary report.

At present, Ilizarov's distraction principle becomes applicable in craniofacial surgery. We would like to present a report of mandibular lengthening by distraction osteogenesis that has been performed in 4 Thai children with unilateral craniofacial microsomia in King Chulalongkorn Memorial hospital from 1996 to 1997. The distraction process was composed of latency, distraction, and consolidation phases. After the latency period, the distraction was performed by a patient's family member at home at the rate of 1 millimeter per day. Facial asymmetry and malocclusion were improved in all cases after the process was completed. No complication was experienced. No relapse or complication was detected after a mean follow-up period of 99.5 weeks. However, more cases and longer follow-up are needed before any conclusion can be made.