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A longitudinal three-dimensional evaluation of the growth pattern in hemifacial microsomia treated by mandibular distraction osteogenesis: a preliminary report.

This study analyzed in three dimensions the longitudinal growth pattern of young patients with hemifacial microsomia (HFM) before and after mandibular distraction osteogenesis (DO). Six individuals with HFM (five boys and one girl; age at distraction, 12.5 +/- 2.4 years) were treated with similar procedures (surgery, type and direction of distraction, no functional orthodontic treatment before and after DO). Two individuals who did not undergo DO until late in their growth were used to compare growth patterns. In addition, one individual besides the six previously chosen sample in whom no DO was performed was also used to compare longitudinal growth patterns. Lateral and posteroanterior (PA) cephalograms were utilized preoperatively, spanning a period of 9 years. Computerized three-dimensional models were constructed from the lateral and PA cephalograms using a vector intercept algorithm. In the comparison group, for a period of 8 years on the affected side, the ramus height, body length, and total mandibular length increased at an average rate of 1.3, 1.9, and 3.0 mm per year respectively. On the unaffected side, the ramus height increased by 2.1 mm per year, 1.9 mm in the body, and 2.9 mm per year in total mandibular length. On average, the gonial angle on the affected side was increased by 1 deg per year, yet decreased by 1 deg per year on the unaffected side. The proportions between the affected to the unaffected side were maintained. In the six individuals 18 months after DO, it was found that the ramus height was reduced by 1.0 mm, whereas the body was found to resume its growth with a faster rate on the distracted side, maintaining its proportion. Angular changes demonstrated closing of the gonial angle on both the unaffected (0.5 deg) and distracted (3.5 deg) sides. Observed in three dimensions were the following: (1) On average, unoperated patients with isolated HFM tend to maintain their asymmetrical facial proportions and do not worsen substantially with time. (2) Different treatment effects were seen on the ramus, body, and total length of the mandible: changes in body length > ramus height > total length. (3) Eighteen months after DO, the correction was stable but with some degree of settling back from the initial overcorrection (< 5%). (4) Eighteen months after DO the mandibular body was found to have greater growth than the ramus. (5) Evaluating changes in three dimensions provides an improved understanding of the growth pattern and distraction effects on the mandible and its structural components. (6) Additional studies on the effect of mandibular distraction on other conditions involving mandibular deformities are required. In addition, the effect of various distractor devices should also be evaluated. Three-dimensional evaluation is recommended for improved accuracy.