Determining the optimal time for consolidation after distraction osteogenesis.

The consolidation period, one of the biological factors participating in the distraction osteogenesis phenomenon, has not been elucidated. Parameters to assess new bone formation and consolidation in craniofacial distraction have been borrowed from the orthopedic experience. Up until now, the decision to discontinue distraction has been based more on personal experience than on objective data. By using Scintigraphy with Tc99 DP a method has been developed to accurately assess the termination of the consolidation phase. Scintigraphic evidence of consolidation was seen between the fourth and the fifth week after terminating distraction in infants (younger than 12 months). Not before the 10th week in children and between the 10th and the 14th week in adolescents and adults. The data roughly correlates with previous reports. It is believed that the consolidation period should be addressed in biologic terms and not in radiologic terms as done up until now. A method is proposed that offers objective qualitative and quantitative data for the noninvasive evaluation of bone consolidation which could have further applications in distraction of the craniofacial skeleton.