Elastic Traction of the Midface in Craniofacial Dysostosis

摘要

From 1982 to 2006, 57 patients with cranio-faciostenosis underwent craniofacial disjunction, mainly by frontal maxillary monobloc advancement, followed by elastic traction of the midface. Semi-rigid fixation was performed only at the lateral orbital walls using steel wires to fix bone grafts. This allows initial retro position of the maxilla. After a period of 7 days of latency, elastic traction of the maxilla was started, gradually moving it to a more anterior position and achieving class II overcorrection in approximately 40 days. Then elastic traction was reduced and maintained around 4 to 6 months. In all cases ossification of the pterygo-maxillary area was observed. Results were definitive in adult patients. In children results lasted for more than 1,5 years ( until adulthood in 52,6%). Elastic traction only required placement of Erich dental arch bars, simplifying the procedures in comparison to the use of distract-ers and leading to similar osteogenic results.