title: Role of intraoral distractors in management of cranial synostosis: An initial experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the following study is to evaluate the results of strip craniectomy with distraction osteogenesis, using the intraoral distractor devices, as a modality of treatment for craniosynostosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two cases of cranial synostosis were selected for this study. The cases were operated for strip craniectomy with distraction osteogenesis using a pair of miniaturized intraoral distractor devices. Distraction was carried out after a latency period of 4 days at a rate of 0.5 mm twice a day. Total separation of osteotomized segments achieved was in the range of 25-28 mm.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both patients were evaluated clinico-radiologically at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. There was an increase in the occipital frontal circumference with improvement in the contour of the skull. Both the cases showed marked improvement of bowel habits, bladder control and cognitive behavior. Radiologically copper-beaten appearance reduced considerably suggesting improved intracranial pressure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Combination of distraction osteogenesis with strip craniectomy for the management of craniosynostosis is an effective treatment modality with promising results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Surgery, AFMC, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Nandakishor
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sahoo
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Surgery, AFMC, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Indranil Deb
authors.initials: ID
authors.lastname: Roy
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, AFDC, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Vishal
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, ADC (R and R), New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Ajay Premanand
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Desai
keywords: Craniosynostosis; distraction osteogenesis; strip craniectomy