Applications of distraction osteogenesis. Part I.

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) of facial bones is a recent development in the treatment of pediatric patients. The use of DO in current clinical practice of pediatric reconstructive surgery is primarily limited to severe deformities of the lower jaw, most of which are congenital in nature. Clinical experience with DO for early facial deformities remains limited, and no authoritative works are currently available to guide clinicians in the techniques or indications for DO of the facial skeleton.