What Is Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis?
Mandibular distraction is a surgical technique to lengthen a small lower jaw. Here is what families should know.
- Mandibular distraction osteogenesis is a surgical procedure that gradually lengthens a small lower jaw (mandible) by slowly separating the bone as it heals. It is commonly used for:
- Pierre Robin Sequence
- Hemifacial microsomia
- Treacher Collins Syndrome
- Other conditions with a small jaw
- How it works:
- Surgery: The jawbone is cut (osteotomy) in a specific location
- Latency period: 3β7 days of healing before distraction begins
- Distraction phase: A device attached to the bone is turned 1β2 times per day, separating the bone by about 1 mm per day
- Consolidation phase: The new bone hardens over 6β8 weeks
- Device removal: The distraction device is removed in a second surgery
- Types of distractors:
- External β a device on the outside of the face, attached to the bone with pins
- Internal β a device placed under the skin, activated by turning a small rod
- What it achieves:
- Longer lower jaw
- Better airway (tongue moves forward)
- Improved facial symmetry
- Better feeding
- Can avoid tracheostomy in severe cases
- Hospital stay: 1β2 days for the first surgery
- The distraction phase takes 2β4 weeks (at home)
- The consolidation phase takes 6β8 weeks
- A second surgery removes the device
Recovery
Clinical Guidance
Mandibular distraction osteogenesis gradually lengthens a small lower jaw using a device that slowly separates the bone as it heals. It is used for conditions like Pierre Robin Sequence and hemifacial microsomia to improve the airway, feeding, and facial appearance.