title: Distraction osteogenesis of the mandible: evaluation of callus distraction by B-scan ultrasonography.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Distraction osteogenesis is a new and reliable technique for lengthening of hard and soft tissue in cranio-maxillofacial surgery. Since its first applications, X-rays were often the preferred diagnostic method to monitor this treatment. Apart from adding an additional radiation dose, analysis cannot detect and follow the osteogenic process in the distraction gap on the one hand, nor can it evaluate the soft tissue around the distracted area. In this paper, the authors report their experience with B-scan imaging to control mandibular distraction and to overcome the shortcomings of X-rays analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Comparison of B-scanning with the traditional X-ray methods was performed in 12 patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  B-scan evaluation appeared to be a precise technique in monitoring the different phases of distraction. It is easy to repeat whenever necessary. Early and late complications of soft tissue healing, movements of the bone segment, as well as the osteogenesis were easily detectable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the authors' opinion B-scan evaluation can play an important role in monitoring distraction osteogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Dentistry, Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, University of Verona, Italy. pierfrancesco.nocini@univr.it
authors.forename: Pier Francesco
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Nocini
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Albanese
authors.forename: Konrad
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wangerin
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fior
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Trevisiol
authors.forename: Winfried
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kretschmer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002146:Bony Callus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction; D011859:Radiography; D014463:Ultrasonography