The "FAD" (Floating Alveolar Device): a bidirectional distraction system for distraction osteogenesis of the alveolar process.
OBJECTIVE
The following study illustrates preoperative and perioperative vector management in alveolar distraction using a new distraction system--the "Floating Alveolar Device" (FAD). The FAD is a bidirectional alveolar distractor that allows augmentation of an atrophic alveolar process in several planes, assures easy intraoperative positioning of the planned vector of distraction, and provides correction of the horizontal position of the transported segment during and after vertical distraction.


METHODS
The FAD is composed entirely of stainless steel and has the following basic components: an upper member, a distraction rod, a lower base plate supporting the vertical force of the distraction rod, a jointed hinge that connects the upper and the lower members, and a tightening rod that provides blocking of the hinge. The clinician can manipulate and adjust the tightening rods, allowing a change in the angle of the hinge, thereby altering the transverse dimension of the vector of distraction. A total of 4 patients aged to 19 to 40 years underwent bidirectional alveolar distraction. All procedures were performed in the mandible.


RESULTS
In all treated patients, planned distraction height and direction were achieved. In all cases it was possible to place implants at the planned time.


CONCLUSIONS
The most common complication, axial displacement, is easily eliminated by moving the bone with the "floating" rod of the FAD during or immediately after the distraction period, according to the principles of the floating bone concept.
Robiony
Massimo
M
Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, University of Udine, Italy. massimo.robiony@med.uniud.it
Toro
Corrado
C
Stucki-McCormick
Suzanne U
SU
Zerman
Nicoletta
N
Costa
Fabio
F
Politi
Massimo
M
D000328:Adult; D000540:Alveolar Ridge Augmentation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D000543:Alveoloplasty / Q000295:instrumentation; D001284:Atrophy; D001861:Bone Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D015921:Dental Implants; D004867:Equipment Design; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013193:Stainless Steel; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D015921:Dental Implants; D013193:Stainless Steel