Management of Severe Midface Hypoplasia Using a Rigid Internal Distraction System

Patients with severe maxillary deficiency present a significant challenge for maxillofacial surgeons. These individuals often exhibit hypoplastic maxillae in all 3 spatial planes, frequently associated with dentofacial deformities such as cleft lip and palate. Midface hypoplasia has traditionally been treated with orthognathic surgery. However, this procedure has limitations, including the potential for relapse. To overcome these limitations, distraction osteogenesis with histiogenesis has emerged as a viable alternative for midfacial advancement. Consequently, distraction osteogenesis has become the surgical method of choice for patients with severe midface retrusion and maxillary-mandibular discrepancies >20 mm. This paper aims to present the authors' clinical experience using this surgical approach.