Distraction osteogenesis

Syn.: Osteodistraction, callus distraction, callotasis.

Formation of new bone between vascular bone surfaces created by an osteotomy and separated by gradual and controlled distraction.

It is used in orthopedic surgery, podiatric surgery, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Originally used to treat problems like unequal leg length, it now is used for the treatment of issues like hemifacial microsomia, micrognathism, craniofrontonasal dysplasias, craniosynostosis, cleft palate, as well as airway obstruction in babies caused by glossoptosis (tongue recessed too far back in the mouth) or micrognathism.

In dental implantology it is used to widen up or lengthen the alveolar process. Few reports show different assesments.