title: Transoral maxillary distraction osteogenesis of an unrepaired bilateral alveolar cleft.
abstract: Distraction osteogenesis has gained acceptance as a viable modality for lengthening hypoplastic skeletal structures in the maxillofacial region. A case of the application of this technique to advance the maxilla in an unrepaired bilateral alveolar cleft via a transoral approach is presented. The distraction devices were applied bilaterally to the zygomatic buttress region with the activating arms protruding from the oral cavity. A high Le Fort I osteotomy was performed under general anesthesia and, prior to distraction, the three maxillary segments were unified with an occlusal acrylic splint. Activation was begun 6 days after placement, at a rate of 1 mm per day, until the planned maxillary advancement had been achieved. An 8-week period of consolidation was allowed prior to removal of the devices.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9109, USA.
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Tate
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Tharanon
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Sinn
mesh_terms: D000543:Alveoloplasty / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000601:surgery*; D005115:Extraoral Traction Appliances; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008437:Maxilla / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D019340:Osteotomy, Le Fort; D063173:Retrognathia / Q000601:surgery*