[Trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis for early correction of midfacial hypoplasia in children: a primary clinical report].
OBJECTIVE
To probe the possibility of trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis for correction of children midfacial hypoplasia.


METHODS
The trans-sutural distraction system of mid-facial skeleton consisted of the bone-borne traction hooks of titanium, the face-bow, and the elastic loops. Nine children with midfacial hypoplasia were treated at their 6 - 12 years of age. No osteotomy was made in them. Bone holes were drilled with a dental bur at each side of the lateral-inferior rim of the aperture, or at the anterior part of the hard palate. The traction device was hatched to the holes through the nostrils. Protraction began 3 days postoperatively, with the forces adjusted dependently upon the rate of progress. When the skeleton reached to the planed position, it was retained with a minor force for 8 weeks.


RESULTS
The mid-facial skeleton of the nine children showed a balanced advancement. Their facial profile and cross-bite were corrected satisfactory.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with severe mid-facial hypoplasia could be corrected ideally by the new technique, with minor trauma, easy manipulation. The design of protraction system was reasonable.
Liu
Chun-Ming
CM
General Hospital and Postgraduate Medical College of PLA, Beijing 100853, China.
Huang
Xu-Ming
XM
Hou
Min
M
Liang
Li-Min
LM
Xiao
Ma
M
Zhang
Hai-Zhong
HZ
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D019767:Maxillofacial Abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D009915:Orbit / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000379:methods*; D012886:Skull / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome