title: Minor complications arising in alveolar distraction osteogenesis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluates complications that arise during mandibular alveolar distraction osteogenesis and suggests treatments.
  
  
  METHODS
  We monitored complications that arose during alveolar distraction osteogenesis in 5 patients who underwent a total of 7 distractions, in all cases using an intraosseous distractor (Lead System, Leibinger, Germany). We report our responses to each type of complication.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All 7 distractions were followed by the placement of 2 implants. The restoration was ideal in 4 of the 7 cases and functional but not ideal in the remaining 3. In all 7 distractions, we observed complications, although many were minor complications readily avoided by the use of appropriate technique. The complications were, first, intraoperative complications, namely 1) fracture of the transport segment (1 of 7 cases;
  
  
  RESULTS
  appropriate preventative measures), 2) difficulties in finishing the osteotomy on the lingual side (7 of 7 cases;
  
  
  RESULTS
  use of fine chisels made from cement spatulas), and 3) excessive length of the threaded rod (1 of 7 cases;
  
  
  RESULTS
  cut the rod). Second, complications arose during distraction: 1) incorrect direction of distraction (2 of 7 cases; no corrective measures necessary in the present cases), 2) perforation of the mucosa by the transport segment (2 of 7 cases; response: smooth the crest of the segment with a bone rongeur), and 3) suture dehiscence (1 of 7 cases; no significant implications). Third, there were postdistraction complications, namely bone formation defects (4 of 7 cases; response: guided bone regeneration).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A number of complications may arise during alveolar distraction osteogenesis. Most of these complications can be considered minor and are readily avoided or resolved by the use of appropriate procedures.
authors: Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. ciabelgg@usc.es
authors: Abel Garcia
authors: AG
authors: Garcia
authors: Manuel Somoza
authors: MS
authors: Martin
authors: Pilar Gandara
authors: PG
authors: Vila
authors: Jacobo Lopez
authors: JL
authors: Maceiras
mesh_terms: D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D013516:Oral Surgical Procedures, Preprosthetic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control