Pinhole osteotomy in distraction osteogenesis - a technical note.

A new surgical approach for performing the mandibular osteotomy for distraction osteogenesis is described. In order to minimize trauma to bone caused by the osteotomy - and adjacent soft tissue - caused by excessive stretching - an additional transbuccal pinhole incision is made. The shaft of the saw blade is passed through this incision. This allows a precise cut of the mandibular ramus at the planned angle and easy guidance of the saw during the procedure. The method can be used both with extraoral or intraoral distraction devices in children and adults.