Distraction osteogenesis of the mandible for airway obstruction in children.
OBJECTIVE
Objectives of the study were to determine the effectiveness of distraction osteogenesis of the mandible to relieve airway obstruction in children with tongue-base airway obstruction and to describe the new surgical techniques developed for use in infants and young children.


METHODS
Prospective, nonrandomized study.


METHODS
Analysis of 11 children with severe airway obstruction secondary to tongue-base obstruction was performed. Patients were between 2 weeks and 5.5 years of age. All patients underwent distraction osteogenesis of the mandible.


RESULTS
Twelve distraction procedures in the 11 children in the study were accomplished; decannulation or extubation was successful in all children.


CONCLUSIONS
Distraction osteogenesis of the mandible can be used to treat tongue-base airway obstruction in appropriately selected children.
Sidman
J D
JD
Pediatric Ear, Nose and Throat Associates, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404, USA.
Sampson
D
D
Templeton
B
B
D000367:Age Factors; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004724:Endoscopy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D008844:Micrognathism / Q000601:surgery*; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction; D010855:Pierre Robin Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014059:Tongue; D014140:Tracheotomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome