Patient-specific distractors for customized mandibular distraction osteogenesis to relieve upper airway obstruction in infants with Pierre Robin sequence

The purpose of this article is to report the author ’s technique for using patient-specific distractors for customized distraction osteogenesis of the mandible in patients with Pierre Robin sequence and upper airway obstruction. The advantages of virtual planning and patient-specific plates in other aspects of craniomaxillofacial surgery, such as o rthognathic and reconstructive surgery, have been reported previously. Similar to patient-specific plates, the theorized advantages of patient-specific distractors in infants with Robin sequence and upper airway obstruction include increased accuracy, decreased operating time, and less morbidity to vital anatomic structures such as the inferior alveolar nerve and developing tooth buds.
Source: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Tags: Craniofacial Anomalies Source Type: research