Distraction osteogenesis is a procedure used to correct facial and oral defects. During the distraction process, two segments of bone are slowly separated in order to place them in the correct position. Unlike more drastic procedures which involve spreading bone segments in a single procedure, the gradual spreading of distraction osteogenesis allows regenerated soft tissue to form and eventually turn into new, longer bone.

You made be a candidate for distraction osteogenesis if you have:

• Cleft palate

• Crouzon

• Apert

• Other craniosysnostosis syndromes

• An improperly formed lower jaw

• Suffered facial injuries resulting from trauma

• Are in need of bone graft surgery

Distraction osteogenesis can be performed on patients of any age; however, it is recommended for younger patients because the period of distraction and recovery is much shorter than that of adults. This is because younger patients generally have faster bone regenerative capabilities than adults.

Patients undergoing distraction osteogenesis will be scheduled for two separate surgeries. In the first surgical procedure, the distraction device is placed across a cut area of bone. By turning the pin in the distraction device at precise intervals and distances, the patient will slowly stretch the bone segments apart over the next 7-14 days. In the 6-8 weeks that follow, the patient must allow time for the regenerated tissue to heal and turn into strong, new bone. Once this new bone has hardened, the device is removed in a second, short surgical procedure.

While the thought of any surgery may sound uncomfortable, most patients say that the gradual process of spreading is less painful than braces or other orthodontic treatments. During the surgical procedures, patients are placed under general anesthesia and do not experience pain. Patients can expect to experience mild discomfort during the distraction process; prescribed pain killers will help to relieve any discomfort.

If you are interested in finding out if distraction osteogenesis may be an option to correct your facial defect, please contact us. Our office staff is happy to set up an initial consultation with one of our skilled surgeons. At Northeast Surgical Specialists, we work hand-in-hand with our patients to ensure that they achieve the surgical results that they desire.

Northeast Surgical Specialists maintains two office locations in Queensbury & Saratoga Springs, NY, and offers various oral surgical procedures and treatments, including distraction osteogenesis. Drs. Condry and Kelling service all of Warren and Saratoga Counties including South Glens Falls, Fort Ann, Greenfield Center, Saratoga, Clifton Park, Corinth, Hudson Falls, Galway, Cambridge, Queensbury, Glens Falls, Lake George, Ballston Lake, Ballston Spa, Gloversville, Schroon Lake, Gansevoort, Granville, Warrensbury, Hoosick Falls, Saranac Lake, Burnt Hills, Greenwich, Mechanicville, Lake Placid, Ticonderoga, Malta, Milton, and Wilton.

If you just want to ask a few questions, give us a call. You can find all the ways to contact us here. We look forward to hearing from you.