title: Three-dimensional planning of alveolar ridge distraction by means of distraction implants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) CT-based planning methods have increasingly been implemented in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Alveolar ridge distraction is accomplished by unidirectional distraction devices which in turn must be positioned optimally in all three dimensions. It is the aim of this study to demonstrate 3D planning of alveolar ridge distraction by means of distraction implants.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 1997, nine patients were treated with distraction implants for a deficient alveolar ridge. A CT-scan-based 3D milled model of the facial skull was prepared for each patient to enable preoperative diagnosis and operative planning.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Exact preoperative diagnosis of the alveolar ridge defect and atrophy was enabled by the 3D polyurethane model. Correct positioning of the distraction implants and predictability of the course of distraction was facilitated by preoperative planning according to the 3D model.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Three-dimensional planning according to a milled model is an indispensable aid to positioning of distraction implants and therefore to directed augmentation of the alveolar ridge. Correct distractor positioning is vital for optimal subsequent prosthetic treatment.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Graz, Graz, Austria. alexander.gaggl@kfunigraz.ac.at
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gaggl
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schultes
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Santler
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kärcher
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000540:Alveolar Ridge Augmentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed