Le Fort III osteotomy and medium position distraction for mid-facial hypoplasia

Objective To probe the possibility of distraction osteogenesis for correction of mid-facial hypplasia using a new technique. Methods The distraction system of mid-facial skeleton consisted of a face-bow, the elastic loops and a device that hitched to bone holes made in the aperture rim. Flllowing Le Fort Ⅲ osteotomy, a bone hole was drilled at each side of the external-inferior rim of the aperture by a dental bur. The traction device was hitched to the holes through the nostrils. Distraction began three days postoperatively, with the force adjusted dependently upon the rate of progress. When the skeleton reached to the planed position, distraction was retained with a minor force for 8 weeks. Three adults with mid-facial hypoplasia underwent this treatment. Results The mid-facial skeleton showed a balanced advancement. The patients' facial contour and occlusal relationship recovered completely. Conclusions Patients with severe mid-facial hypoplasia could be corrected ideally by the new technique, with balanced advancement of mid-facial skeleton, minor trauma. The design of distraction system was reasonable. The manipulation of the procedure was easy.