Preliminary Communication - A design for midface distraction

Midface retrusion is commonly seen in patients with cleft lip and palate, other craniofacial syndromes and maxillofacial trauma. It is now widely understood that the extensive subperiosteal dissection in palatoplasty and alveolar bone grafting has a definite contributory role in the occurrence of this deformity. Midface retrusion can be treated either surgically or by slow distraction. The advantage of distraction advancement of the maxilla is that there is a reduced chance of precipitation of velopharyngeal incompetence. There is also a reduced likelihood of relapse after distraction advancement than after surgical advancement.