Complications during mandibular midline distraction.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the number and type of complications during mandibular midline distraction.


METHODS
The records of 100 consecutive patients who underwent mandibular midline distraction were evaluated, and complications which occurred up to 2 weeks after surgery were recorded.


RESULTS
Fourteen patients had complications during the distraction period. In four cases the screw of the appliance rotated back between the activations. In three cases the osteotomy had to be repeated because the symphysis did not open; two cases developed scar strictures, in another two a lower incisor fractured. One case developed an abscess, one a mandibular swelling, and one a large gingival recession.


CONCLUSIONS
Complications during or shortly after mandibular midline distraction surgery are relatively rare and mostly mild or transient. Only 3% of the patients presented irreversible damage. Thus, mandibular midline distraction appears to be a relatively safe method of expanding the mandible.
von Bremen
Julia
J
Department of Orthodontics, University of Giessen, Giesen, Germany. Julia.v.Bremen@dentist.med.uni-giessen.de
Schäfer
Dominik
D
Kater
Wolfgang
W
Ruf
Sabine
S
D000038:Abscess / Q000209:etiology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000293:injuries; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000209:etiology; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000293:injuries