Clinical approaches for distraction osteogenesis at different angles in correcting facial asymmetry

Objective To correct the facial asymmetric deformity by osteotomy and mandibular distraction osteogenesis at different angles. Methods The distractors were implanted at different angles in the malformed hemimandibles of 3 patients with facial asymmetry. The average time for distraction was 20 d. Four months later,when distraction was finished,one of the patients underwent genioplasty and implantation of prosth of MEDPOR on his new bone formed by distraction;another one was treated with follow-up orthognathic operations to further restore her normal profile and occlusion relation;the last one received subsequent orthodontic therapy. Results Improvement of the facial asymmetric deformity was achieved in the first patient after implantation of the artificial material. The profile of the second patient came to normal after orthognathic surgery. The affected ramus of third patient was elongated after distraction and the facial asymmetric deformity was corrected. Conclusion Distraction osteogenesis in different angles can result in elongation of the proper part of the deformed mandible for those facial asymmetries caused by different factors. The rest positional deformities (sagittal position) should be corrected after correction of the asymmetric deformity.