Skeletal stability in patients with clefts after large maxillary advancements using intraoral distraction

Anterior maxillary distraction for cleft palate associated severe hypoplastic maxillary Class III deformity during adolescence - A case report

This report chronicles the case of an adolescent female with cleft palate associated severe hypoplastic maxillary Class III deformity. Treatment involved anterior maxillary segmental distraction osteogenesis (AMSDO) in conjunction with pre-distraction and post-distraction orthodontics. Following pre-distraction orthodontics, AMSDO was performed using a customized Hyrax distractor assembly. Post-distraction orthodontics helped stabilize distraction outcomes and finalize occlusion. Post-treatment, midface deficiency and prognathic profile improved dramatically with establishment of acceptable interincisal relationship and well-balanced functionally interdigitated occlusion. Three-year follow-up showed excellent morphologic and functional stability. AMSDO is a viable modality that contributes to effective stomatological rehabilitation of patients with cleft maxillary hypoplasia.

Accuracy of Virtually Planned Maxillary Distraction in Cleft Patients - An Evaluative Study

Introduction:

Maxillary distraction may be used to treat severe maxillary hypoplasia in cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients. Three-dimensional (3D) planning has been shown to increase the accuracy of distraction and reduce operative time and complications. The aim of the study was to measure the accuracy of internal maxillary distraction after 3D planning in CLP patients, to add evidence to validate the virtual osteotomy and distraction procedure.

Materials and Methods:

Eleven CLP patients with severe maxillary hypoplasia underwent maxillary distraction using internal distractors. Virtual planning was used to design the osteotomies, the distractor position, and the distraction vector. Cutting and positioning guides transferred this information to the surgical procedure. Four to six month postoperative computed tomography-scan was done before distractor removal; anatomical reference points were compared to the virtual planning to determine accuracy.

Results:

A high accuracy (point dislocation <1.5 mm) was found in 90% of the points of the surface of the maxilla; the majority of the zygomatic screws were placed within a distance of 0.8–1 mm from their planned position.

Discussion:

The high accuracy achieved through virtual planning promotes optimal distractor placement; a customized distraction vector has a direct effect on the final position of the maxilla.