Distraction osteogenesis for craniosynostosis.

OBJECT: The authors describe the use of distraction devices and surgical techniques of distraction osteogenesis for the treatment of patients with craniosynostosis.
METHODS: Since 1994, the authors have performed distraction procedures in 23 patients with craniosynostosis in whom osteogenesis was achieved. Thirteen of the 23 patients underwent a complete Le Fort III midface osteotomy and distraction. In 10 patients the distraction osteogenesis involved the cranial bone; six underwent combined forehead and midface distraction (Le Fort IV distraction) in which multiple internal devices were used after performing a Le Fort IV osteotomy. An external distraction procedure was used to treat the first two cases. Since 1996, the authors have used internal devices developed in their unit. Distraction was initiated 1 week after the osteotomy at the rate of 0.5 mm per day for the cranium and 1.0 mm per day for the midface. The consolidation phase after distraction was initiated was 2 to 3 months. No major complications such as intracranial infection or neurological deficits were observed during the course of distraction osteogenesis. The osteogenesis generated at the distraction site was considerably satisfactory; and recurrence of the deformity in the follow-up period was minimal.
CONCLUSIONS: Distraction osteogenesis for craniofacial deformity has numerous advantages: 1) bone grafting is unnecessary; 2) the procedure is less invasive, has short operating time, and less blood loss occurs than in conventional craniofacial procedures; 3) no intracranial dead space is created; 4) there is a good amount of blood flow to the bone segment; and 5) soft-tissue expansion occurs. The authors believe that distraction osteogenesis is a versatile and stable option for the treatment of patients with craniosynostosis.