Minor complications arising in alveolar distraction osteogenesis.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates complications that arise during mandibular alveolar distraction osteogenesis and suggests treatments.
METHODS: We monitored complications that arose during alveolar distraction osteogenesis in 5 patients who underwent a total of 7 distractions, in all cases using an intraosseous distractor (Lead System, Leibinger, Germany). We report our responses to each type of complication.
RESULTS: All 7 distractions were followed by the placement of 2 implants. The restoration was ideal in 4 of the 7 cases and functional but not ideal in the remaining 3. In all 7 distractions, we observed complications, although many were minor complications readily avoided by the use of appropriate technique. The complications were, first, intraoperative complications, namely 1) fracture of the transport segment (1 of 7 cases; RESPONSE: appropriate preventative measures), 2) difficulties in finishing the osteotomy on the lingual side (7 of 7 cases; RESPONSE: use of fine chisels made from cement spatulas), and 3) excessive length of the threaded rod (1 of 7 cases; RESPONSE: cut the rod). Second, complications arose during distraction: 1) incorrect direction of distraction (2 of 7 cases; no corrective measures necessary in the present cases), 2) perforation of the mucosa by the transport segment (2 of 7 cases; response: smooth the crest of the segment with a bone rongeur), and 3) suture dehiscence (1 of 7 cases; no significant implications). Third, there were postdistraction complications, namely bone formation defects (4 of 7 cases; response: guided bone regeneration).
CONCLUSIONS: A number of complications may arise during alveolar distraction osteogenesis. Most of these complications can be considered minor and are readily avoided or resolved by the use of appropriate procedures. Copyright 2002 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons