Radiographic evaluation of bone formation in the pterygoid region after maxillary distraction with a rigid external distraction (RED) device.

In recent years, distraction osteogenesis has been used to correct skeletal disharmonies in the craniofacial region including the mandible and maxilla. Rigid external distraction has been used successfully to correct severe maxillary skeletal discrepancies. However, the characteristics of the newly formed bone have not been studied. A modified tomogram technique was used to analyze the radiological characteristics of the bone generated after maxillary advancement with rigid external distraction. The newly developed protocol may assist the clinician to evaluate the distracted area and to determine the length of stabilization required after active treatment with rigid external distraction.