What is Distraction Osteogenesis?
Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a relatively new method of treatment for selected deformities and defects of the jaw and skull consisting of the mechanical stretching of bone to replace missing areas. Although it was first used in 1903, in the 1950’s the Russian orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gabriel Ilizarov, slowly perfected the surgical and postoperative management of distraction osteogenesis treatment to correct deformities and repair defects in the arms and legs. His work went mostly unnoticed until he presented to the Western Medical Society in the mid-1960s.
Distraction osteogenesis was first used to treat defects of the oral and facial region in 1990. Since then, the surgical and technological advances made in the field of distraction osteogenesis have provided oral and maxillofacial surgeons with a safe and predictable method to treat selected deformities.
If you have questions about distraction osteogenesis, please call our office and schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Distraction Osteogenesis
What does the term distraction osteogenesis mean? Simply stated, distraction osteogenesis means the slow movement apart (distraction) of two bony segments in a manner such that new bone is allowed to grow and fill in the gap created by the separating bony parts.
Is the surgery for distraction osteogenesis more involved than “traditional surgery” for a similar procedure? No. Distraction osteogenesis surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis with most of the patients going home the same day of surgery. The surgical procedure itself is less invasive so there is usually less pain and swelling.
Will my insurance company cover the cost of osteogenesis surgical procedure?Most insurance companies will cover the cost of DO provided that there is adequate and accurate documentation of the the underlying condition. Of course, individual benefits and policies vary. After you are seen for your consultation at our office, we will assist you in determining whether or not your insurance company will cover a particular surgical procedure.
Is distraction osteogenesis painful? Since all distraction osteogenesis surgical procedures are done while under general anesthesia, pain during the surgical procedure is not an issue. Postoperatively, you will be supplied with appropriate analgesics (pain medication) to keep you comfortable, and antibiotics to fight off infection. Activation of the distraction device to slowly separate the bones may cause mild discomfort. In general, the slow movement of bony segments produces a sensation roughly similar to having braces tightened.
What are the benefits of distraction osteogenesis vs. traditional surgery for a similar condition? Distraction osteogenesis procedures typically produce less pain and swelling than the traditional surgical procedures for a similar condition. Distraction osteogenesis also eliminates the need for a second surgical site to harvest bone graft material. Lastly, distraction osteogenesis is associated with greater stability when used in cases where significant movement of bony segments is involved.
What are the disadvantages of distraction osteogenesis?Distraction osteogenesis requires the patient to return to the surgeon’s office frequently during the initial two weeks after surgery. This is necessary because in this time frame the surgeon will need to closely monitor for any infection and teach the patient how to activate the appliance. In some cases, a second minor office surgical procedure is necessary to remove the distraction appliance.
Can distraction osteogenesis be used instead of bone grafts to add bone to my jaws? Yes. Recent advances in technology have provided the oral and maxillofacial surgeon with a distraction device that can be used to slowly grow bone in selected areas of bone loss that have occurred in the upper and lower jaws. The newly formed bone can then serve as an excellent foundation for dental implants.
Does distraction osteogenesis leave scars on the face? No. The entire surgery is performed within the mouth and the distraction devices used by our doctors remain inside the mouth. There are no facial surgical incisions made, therefore no facial scars result.
Are there any age limitations for patients who can receive osteogenesis? No. Distraction osteogenesis works well on patients of all ages. In general, the younger the patient, the shorter the distraction time and the faster the consolidation (bone healing) phase. Adults require a slightly longer treatment time because the bone regenerative capabilities are slower than those of adolescents or children.