Remodeling of the temporomandibular joint following mandibular distraction osteogenesis in the transverse dimension.

Transverse mandibular distraction osteogenesis involves moving the osteotomized segments of the mandible in either a varus or valgus direction. This maneuver allows for widening of the bigonial distance or for a lateral shift of an asymmetric mandibular midline. During this process, a significant amount of torque is placed on the mandibular condyles, because they act as the pivot point for the mandibular translation. Although standard linear distraction osteogenesis induces transient, reversible changes in the temporomandibular joint, it is not known what effect the varus and valgus stresses of transverse distraction have on the temporomandibular joint. We therefore designed a study to document the temporomandibular joint changes following various degrees of transverse distraction. Bilateral transverse mandibular distraction was performed on 10 adult, female mongrel dogs using an external, multiplanar mandibular distraction device. The distraction protocol was as follows: (1) complete osteotomy at the angle of the mandible, (2) 5-day latency period, (3) distraction rate of 1 mm/day, (4) rhythm of one turn per day, (5) linear activation 16 to 30 mm bilaterally, and (6) 8-week consolidation period. A variety of varus and valgus distraction vectors were applied to the mandible only after 10 mm of initial linear distraction had been achieved. Posteroanterior and lateral cephalograms were performed throughout the entire process. Pre-distraction and post-consolidation computed tomographic scans were also performed. Changes in mandibular conformation, axis of rotation, temporomandibular joint structure, and glenoid fossa changes were directly assessed by evaluating the postmortem craniofacial skeleton. The findings were compared with those of normal, age-matched mongrel dog skulls. Significant remodeling changes were observed in the temporomandibular joints of all animals involved in the study. The mandibular condyles demonstrated varying degrees of flattening and erosion at all contact points with the craniofacial skeleton. In some cases, the condyle became part of the distraction regenerate process and was hypertrophied in all dimensions. The condyles were frequently displaced out of the glenoid fossa, particularly on the side in the direction of varus distraction. When the latter occurred, a new fossa was created on the undersurface of the zygomatic arch. Varying degrees of mandibular rotation in the sagittal plane were also observed, which led to abnormal torquing of the condyles in the coronal plane, depending on whether the axis of rotation occurred primarily around the condyle or around the distraction regenerate zone.In conclusion, transverse mandibular distraction is an effective means of producing a varus or valgus shift in the gonion relative to the midsagittal plane. However, unlike linear or angular mandibular distraction, transverse distraction has a multitude of nontransient effects on the temporomandibular joint. Therefore it must be emphasized that in clinical practice, transverse distraction should be used cautiously. One must also be aware that such a maneuver in distraction can have negative effects on the temporomandibular joint.

Chin augmentation.

The primary goal of facial aesthetic surgery is to restore, enhance, and rejuvenate the aging face to a more youthful appearance, achieving balance and harmony. The mental area must be addressed in order to have a complete synthesis of the face. The concept of augmenting the mental area with implants has evolved so significantly that it now stands by itself as an important procedure. Various autogenous implants for chin augmentation have been in use for over 100 years but have complications. The advent of synthetic materials has given rise to various types of alloplastic implants: Gore-Tex, Medpor, Supramid, Silastic, and Mersilene. No one implant is perfect for every face. This article overviews several alloplastic implants--their advantages, disadvantages, and complications, in addition to the different techniques of preparing and delivering the implants.

Reconstruction of a neocondyle using transport distraction osteogenesis.

The process of slow bone expansion by distraction osteogenesis in conjunction with functional remodeling can also be used for the reconstruction of a neomandible and neocondyle. This is the technique of transport distraction osteogenesis. A transport disc is surgically created adjacent to the area of a discontinuity defect, and the transport disc is advanced by the process of distraction osteogenesis, using the Ilizarov principles. The mandible therefore acts as the bony template for reconstruction such that the neomandible created from the distraction process has the same size and shape as the native mandible covered by gingiva. This allows for enhanced prosthetic reconstruction. A reverse-L osteotomy of the ramus can also be performed to create a transport disc to reconstruct a neocondyle. Because the leading edge of the transport disc becomes enveloped by a fibrocartilagenous cap, the ramal transport disc can be moved superiorly to create a new articulation. Patients are encouraged to open and close their mouths during the distraction process, such that the transport disc remodels to form a neocondyle. This technique was successfully used to treat patients with degenerative joint disease, condylar resorption, and bony ankylosis.

Distraction osteogenesis for the reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint.

Distraction osteogenesis is the technique of slow bone expansion across an osteotomy site. Most commonly used for orthopedic lengthening of the extremities, it is now being applied to the craniofacial skeleton, including treatment of facial asymmetries, micrognathias and mandibular discontinuity defects. The technique can also be applied for the reconstruction of a neo-condyle. Transport distraction osteogenesis may prove to be a treatment alternative for patients requiring condylar reconstruction.

Reconstruction of the mandibular condyle using transport distraction osteogenesis.

Transport distraction osteogenesis was used to reconstruct the articulation of the temporomandibular joint in two patients. Patient 1 underwent a gap arthroplasty for release of a bony ankylosis. Patient 2 had degenerative joint disease after tumor resection. Both patients had painful, limited mouth opening and facial asymmetry as a result of condylar shortening. A reverse-L osteotomy was performed from the sigmoid notch to the posterior border of the mandible. An external transport distraction device was applied, and the segment was advanced superiorly, 1.0 mm per day, until contact was made with the glenoid fossa. After distraction, the bone was found to have remodeled, inducing a new cortical layer on the articular surface. Additionally, a pseudodisk was generated as a result of the transport distraction. The two patients tolerated the procedure well, returning to pain-free normal mouth opening and being able to masticate regular diets.