DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS

Facial disharmony can range in terms of form, size and shape of tooth and/ or jaws. Functional disharmony creates inability to chew, speak properly and can potentially interfere with normal breathing process. Aesthetic aspect includes loss of self-confidence and social isolation.

Distraction Osteogenesis is an innovative treatment option in cranio-maxillo-facial surgery. It is a means of stimulating production of new bone. In this procedure, the jaw bone is cut and the two arms of the distractor device are attached to the cut bone segments. After a few days the distraction procedure is started. The screw attached to the device is turned gradually (1 mm per day) which pushes the bones apart. New bone is formed in the resultant gap. After the desired jaw bone length is achieved, distraction is stopped. Once the new bone stabilizes, the distractor device is removed.

Distraction is the magical technique by which we can achieve bone growth in childhood, early or even late adulthood. This technique is a boon to those who have bone growth retardation and to those who have lost some of their bone tissue to tumors or trauma. The versatility of this technique lies in the fact that corrections can be achieved more precisely even to the last millimeter..