Sonographic change of mandibular distraction osteogenesis

Kim, Chul Hwan

Abstract

Distraction osteogenesis was pioneered by Ilizarov in the treatment of injured extremities. Its subsequent application to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery has opened a new chapter in the treatment of facial deformity. Careful monitoring of the period of distraction and consolidation of the callus is important and has been well described. Complications, such as infection, haematoma and premature ossification, are difficult to diagnose and can compromise the outcome after the surgery. Too slow rate of distraction results in premature fusion of cortices and too rapid information of bone 'cyst' within the callus distraction. I experienced 2 patients of congenital unilateral mandibular hypoplasia, so called Hemifacial Microsomia. After distraction surgery, I evaluated callus formation of mandibular distraction with Ultrasound Sonography during distraction and consolidation period. Plain radiography, although it enables accurate measurement of the distraction gap, did not give sufficient detail to allow assessment of early stages of bone formation, But, ultrasound monitoring could enable continuous monitoring of the distraction gap without exposure to ionizing radiation and allow detection of fine detail, which may influence manipulation of the callus.