J Korean Soc Plast Reconstr Surg.  1999 Nov;26(6):1146-1150.

Treatment of Pierre-robin sequence Using Bilateral Mandibular Distractors

• Kim HJ
• Kim YH
• Seul JH

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to present our experience of distraction osteogenesis procedure used to improve the functional and consmetic problems of two patients associated with Pierre-Robin sequence, which is an uncommon congenital disease in combination with micrognathia, glossoptosis, and respiratory obstruction. A female child of 42 months and a male infant of 4 months suffering from pneumonia, difficult breathing, cyanosis and insomnia were admitted. We performed temporary tongue to lip dhesion by modified Routledge method and bilateral mandibular distraction. After the operation, symptoms of insomnia and impaired breathing had improved. We found an extension of the mandibular length. In addition, the posterior airway space and lower face area were expanded in the cephalometric tracing and profilogram. We report that bilateral distraction provedure could be an effective and safe method for improving of impaired breathing and cosmetic problems of patients with Pierre-Robin sequence.

MeSH Terms

Child
Cyanosis
Female
Humans
Infant
Lip
Male
Osteogenesis, Distraction
Pneumonia
Respiration
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
Tongue