Infant mandibular distraction with an internal curvilinear device

Mandibular distraction has proven to be a valuable tool for lengthening the hypoplastic mandible and relieving airway obstruction in infants. Numerous devices have been developed to achieve the desired mandibular lengthening. Complications including poor vector control, need to mold regenerate, facial scarring, external pin loosening, and bulky hardware have been associated with previous devices. In an attempt to circumvent some of these problems, the senior author developed an internal curvilinear device (Osteomed Corporation, Dallas, TX), which is applicable to the infant mandible. The aim of this paper is to describe the use of this distractor as well as its indications and outcomes.Twelve micrognathic infants (ages range from 9 days to 8 months) who underwent mandibular distraction between March 2005-May 2006 at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital were included in the study. Preoperative workup included an evaluation by a multidisciplinary team including a pediatric otolaryngologist, neonatal intensivist, pediatric pulmonologist, occupational therapist, and craniofacial surgeon. Pre and postoperative maxillomandibular discrepancy, sleep study, feeding evaluation, and three-dimensional computerized tomography scans were compared.All patients tolerated the distraction process well to completion without postoperative complication, except for one patient who had temporary facial nerve weakness, which resolved in 2 months. All patients with obstructive apnea had the obstructive component improved. The last six patients had pre and postoperative polysomnograms to document the improvement. Two patients with neurologic impairment had persistent central apnea. One nonsyndromic patient with inability to feed and feeding-related airway obstruction was taking complete oral feeds 2 weeks after distraction.Mandibular distraction with an internal curvilinear device is effective at relieving airway obstruction in micrognathic infants, while avoiding some previously reported complications.