Text Source: Hellenic Craniofacial Center The Hellenic Craniofacial Center was founded by the late Dr. Alexander Stratoudakis and is directed by Dr. Costas Alexandrou, Craniofacial Surgeon, Member of the Cyprus Center for Clefts and Facial Deformities, MEDICLEFT;
Distraction Osteogenesis
A method that has helped significantly in restoring some craniofacial deformities, ie maxillary or midfacial hypoplasia, is Distraction Osteogenesis.
Principle
This method is based on the principles of the observation (and has been verified with laboratory experiments) that if you perform incision into a bone and both sides are separated mechanically between them gradually, about 1 mm per day, the nascent deficit is filled with a newly formed bone resulting in controlled elongation of the bone regarding the direction and the final size. It was first implemented in the long bones of the limbs in the field of orthopedic surgery and more recently in the bones of the face.
Special devices allow the tension and elongation of the facial skeleton bones but also control the shape of the newly formed bone in three dimensions.
The techniques of Distraction Osteogenesis have offered solutions to problems that in the past were considered extremely impossible to treat.
Facial areas that is applied
Distraction Osteogenesis is very effective in correcting problems such as:
- Mandibular asymmetry
- Hemifacial macrosomia
- Micrognathia
- Asymmetry of upper and lower jaws
- In the upper jaw to be moved forward and achieve proper occlusion usually in cases of hypoplasia (with or without cleft palate).
- In the middle section of the face in cases of hypoplasia and obstructive apnea (Le Fort III osteotomy).
- In the middle part of the face with the forehead (monobloc advancement technique) in syndromic disorders with brachycephaly and obstructive apnea.
Duration of treatment
The Distraction Osteogenesis device is applied for two to three months. Although the patients and their families express fears and hesitations about the inconvenience involved, they are accustomed to the device in a few days and they are going through the period of recovery without any particular problems.
If you have any questions or need additional information about the treatment of facial deformities, please contact + 357 25735050 or send us an e-mail at info@medicleft.com.
The TEAM of Scientists of the Cyprus Center for Clefts and Facial Deformities, MEDICLEFT, is at your disposal.