[Symphyseal distraction: a simplified procedure].
BACKGROUND
Severe mandibular incisor crowding with bone insufficiency is usually treated by dental extractions and orthodontic management. Symphyseal distraction was proposed to avoid tooth extraction. This technique is still considered as invasive, complex and unsafe. We evaluated symphyseal distraction to clarify its indications, and to suggest a simplified surgical protocol.


METHODS
Six patients were treated by symphyseal distraction: three with a bone-anchored device and three with a dental anchored one. Pre and postoperative inter-canine measurements and occlusal stability were analyzed.


RESULTS
Postoperative inter-canine measurements increased from 3.4 to 6.8mm (mean 5.2mm). All patients were in Angle class I occlusion without complications. Dental anchored device simplified the surgical procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Symphyseal distraction with dental anchored device is a simple, efficient and reliable to treat severe transverse mandibular deficiency. The orthodontist can manage the procedure by himself and controls the whole expansion process according to specific requirements.
Département de chirurgie maxillofaciale et stomatologie, institut universitaire de la face et du cou, avenue Valembrose, 06000 Nice, France. csavoldelli@yahoo.fr
C
C
Savoldelli
V
V
Lesne
E
E
Ciszek
J
J
Lebeau
G
G
Bettega
D000293:Adolescent; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000473:pathology; D002508:Cephalometry; D002648:Child; D003481:Cuspid / Q000473:pathology; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000473:pathology; D004867:Equipment Design; D016267:External Fixators; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008312:Malocclusion, Angle Class II / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D008334:Mandible / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008963:Molar / Q000473:pathology; D052280:Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000379:methods*; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000628:therapy; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods