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Introduction
Overview

1. Introduction

2. Historical Perspective

3. Maxillofacial Application

4. The Process

5. The Device

Chapter One
Principles of Alveolar Distraction Osteogenesis
    

     1.  Section I

     2.  Section II

     3.  Section III

     4.  Section IV

     5.  Section V

     6.  Section VI

     7.  Section VII

     8.  Section VIII

     9.  Section IX

   10.  Section X

   11.  Section XI

Chapter Two
Alveolar Distraction Osteogenesis

1. Section I

2. Section II

3. Section III

4. Section IV

5. Section V

6. Section VI

7. Section VII

8. Section VIII

9. Section IX

Chapter Three
Maxillary Alveolar Distraction
Osteogenesis

1. Section I

2. Section II

3. Section III

4. Section IV

5. Section V

6. Section VI

7. Section VII
   

The process of alveolar distraction osteogenesis involves mobilization, transport, and fixation of a healthy segment of bone adjacent the deficient site. A mechanical device, the alveolar distraction device, is used to provide gradual, controlled transport of a mobilized alveolar segment. When the desired repositioning of the bone segment is achieved, the distraction device is left in a static mode to act as a fixation device. Displacement of the osseous segment results in positioning of a healthy portion of bone into a previously deficient site. Because the soft tissue is left attached to the transport segment, the movement of the bone also results in expansion of the soft tissue adjacent the bone segment. At the original location of the segment is left a regeneration chamber which has a natural capacity to heal by filling with bone. This propensity of the regeneration chamber to heal by filling with bone instead of fibrous tissue is a function of the surrounding, healthy cancellous bone walls and location within the skeletal functional matrix. As a result of the gradual distraction, the alveolar housing, including the osseous and soft tissue components are enlarged in a single, simultaneous process.