Unpredicted bilateral device breakage during active phase of mandibular distraction: A case report and literature review

Distraction osteogenesis is a popular treatment modality to lengthen the mandible. It is commonly performed in wide varieties of craniofacial syndromes, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis, and obstructive sleep apnea cases requiring a significant amount of mandibular lengthening. There are many complications associated with mandibular distraction osteogenesis procedure and the breakage of the distractor is very rare. There are few reports in the literature mentioning the breakage of a distractor. This article highlights an up-to-date knowledge of the etiology and prevention of mandibular distractor breakage and a case report which was managed well after bilateral internal mandibular distractor breakage. This is the first case report describing the spontaneous bilateral mandibular distractor breakage during the active phase of distraction osteogenesis. (c) 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Distraction osteogenesis is a popular treatment for lengthening the mandible, but there is a rare risk of distractor breakage during the procedure. Limited literature reports exist regarding distractor breakage, indicating a need for further research on etiology and prevention measures.