(Mandibular Arch Widening Using Distraction Osteogenesis and Electrical Stimulation (An Experimental Study

Abstract

Developmental deformities in maxillofacial region may follow genetic or acquired causes. The management of these deformities is very critical because of their importance for cosmotic and function purposes. Different treatment modalities were utilized using orthodontic or orthognathic surgery. Orthognathic mandibular surgical procedures performed successfully for the treatment of these cases include osteotomy of the body of the mandible (Blair, 1907), vertical osteotomy of the ramus and sagittal splitting of the ramus (Coldwell and Lettermann, 1954). Problems such as inferior alveolar nerve and vessels damage, maxillary artery injury, T.M.J. diseases, bad osteotomies and non-union of the bony segments were reported. Relapse is almost a constant postoperative sequelae which varies according to the procedure utilized (Obwegesser, 1957). Recently, bone lengthening has been applied as a relatively new development in orthopedic surgery (Ilizarov, 1989). Gradual distraction was used both experimentally and clinically in tubular bone to stimulate endosteal and periosteal callus formation (Ilizarov, 1989 and Alho et a!, 1992).