title: An internal distraction device for Le Fort distraction osteogenesis: the NAVID system.
abstract: Le Fort distraction osteogenesis is sometimes applied to improve the facial appearance in craniofacial dysostosis or cleft lip and palate. Distraction devices are generally classified into external and internal types. The movement of external distractors can be controlled easily but their large size and the need for a facial mask cause much psychological stress to the patient. Internal distractors are smaller and better tolerated, but they are not easily controllable and removal is difficult. We designed an internal distraction device to eliminate the problems of the currently available distractors -Nakajima's angle-variable internal distraction (NAVID) system - and aimed to assess its clinical applicability. Between 2000 and 2010, we treated 16 patients with the NAVID system: Le Fort I, III, III + I and IV distractions were performed in three, five, four and four patients, respectively. Distraction was started after a 1-week latency period. Then, the exposed rod was cut, and the distractors were left in place for 3 months or more as retention devices, and thereafter removed. All patients showed satisfactory occlusion and facial aesthetics. Open bite during the consolidation period was the main complication. In conclusion, the NAVID system is safe, effective and reliable for all types of Le Fort distraction osteogenesis.
authors: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ward, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan. nakajima@sc.itc.keio.ac.jp
authors: Hideo
authors: H
authors: Nakajima
authors: Yoshiaki
authors: Y
authors: Sakamoto
authors: Ikkei
authors: I
authors: Tamada
authors: Hirotoshi
authors: H
authors: Ohara
authors: Kazuo
authors: K
authors: Kishi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002508:Cephalometry; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002971:Cleft Lip / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003394:Craniofacial Dysostosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D019340:Osteotomy, Le Fort / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult