Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a relatively new and exciting surgical treatment for patients with select maxillofacial deformities. Since its introduction by Dr. Gavrielle Illizarov of Russia in the 1950’s, DO has gained acceptance in the orthopedic and other medical specialties as the treatment of choice for select deformities.

      On May 6 through 8, 2000, the surgeons of Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery, in conjunction with Stryker Leibinger, sponsored a seminar in distraction osteogenesis for the maxillofacial skeleton. The faculty of the seminar included Dr. César Guerrero of Caracas, Venezuela; Dr. William Bell of Dallas, Texas, Dr. Harry Legan of Vanderbilt University, Mr. Andy Christiansen of the Medical Modeling Corp., and Dr. Mac Whitesides of Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery.

      On May 6th lecture topics included history of distraction osteogenesis, distraction osteogenesis treatment of the patient with maxillary and/or mandibular deficiency and/or constriction. Distraction osteogenesis treatment of the patient with alveolar ridge atrophy, orthodontic treatment planning of the distraction patient, the effect of distraction osteogenesis on the temporomandibular joint, and anesthesia for the distraction osteogenesis surgery.

      On May 7th four surgical cases were performed in the Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery Outpatient Surgery Center. One case involved employing distraction osteogenesis to expand the maxilla and mandible. In the remaining three cases, DO was used to increase the alveolar ridge height and width in preparation for placement of dental implants.

      On May 8th two surgical distraction cases were performed at Emory Cartersville Medical Center. The first case involved using distraction osteogenesis to regenerate a section of the patient’s mandible, which had been resected secondary to a tumor. In the last patient DO was used to lengthen the patient’s mandible in conjunction with tradition orthognathic surgical procedures reduce her vertical maxillary excess.

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If you have any additional questions about Distraction Osteogenesis you may contact Dr. Whitesides at drlwhitesides@atlantaoralsurgery.com.

To learn about DOS in the treatment of Hemifacial Microsomia, click here.

To view Distraction Osteogenesis Surgery (DOS) case studies, click here.