Roopav Nargotra
The present study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of distraction osteogenesis as a treatment modality in case of craniofacial deformity associated with cleft lip and palate patients and to suggest a protocol for distraction osteogenesis for midface and dentoalveolar segments in cleft lip and palate patients. Seven patients with cleft lip and palate having midfacial deficiency and falling in ASA grade 1 and ASA grade 2 categories were selected and taken up for the necessary treatment with the use of a Le Fort 1 osteotomy and application of Rigid external distractor (RED). The distraction was carried out over a period of 6-13 days at a rate of 4.0 mm per day for four patients, 1.5 mm per day for one patient (split over twice daily) and 2.0 mm per day for two patients. Advancement of the segment achieved at the end of one month fell in the range of 14 mm – 18 mm and 4 mm - 16 mm at the end of six months. Distraction osteogenesis proved to be an effective treatment modality in case of craniofacial deformity associated with cleft lip and palate patients. We have also suggested a protocol for distraction osteogenesis for midface and dentoalveolar segments in such patients.