title: Use of a plate-guided distraction device for transport distraction osteogenesis of the mandible.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Transport distraction osteogenesis has been used to reconstruct continuity defects by regenerating bone and soft tissues. A challenge has been to maintain the correct vector during the distraction process. A new type of distraction device was recently developed that uses a standard reconstruction plate to "guide" the transported segment of the bone. This plate-guided distractor device (PGD) intimately follows the shape of the plate, thus allowing for 3-dimensional vector control during the distraction process.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four patients underwent transport distraction osteogenesis for reconstruction of segmental mandibular defects ranging in size from 4 to 7 cm. The age of the patients ranged from 27 to 62 years. Two patients had been treated with radiotherapy as part of treatment for oral malignancy. A standard locking reconstruction plate was placed to bridge the continuity gap. An osteotomy was performed to create a bone transport segment. The PGD was secured to both the reconstruction plate and the transport bone. After a latency period of 7 days, the device was activated at a rate of 1 mm/d. The distraction process continued until the transport segment reached the opposing bone or sufficient bone and soft tissue were reconstructed for oral rehabilitation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients achieved hard and soft tissue formation. Two patients had premature consolidation of the distraction regenerate but had sufficient tissue for rehabilitation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A PGD can be used to regenerate missing hard and soft tissues. An advantage of this technique is that it uses a reconstruction plate that is routinely placed to bridge mandibular continuity defects. This device allows for ultimate vector control by intimately following a carefully adapted plate.
authors.affiliation: Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, USA. aherford@sd.llu.edu
authors.forename: Alan S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Herford
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000295:instrumentation*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation; D013497:Sural Nerve / Q000637:transplantation