A Hybrid Approach to Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis: Combining a Ready-Made Distractor with a 3D-Printed Patient-Specific Plate

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a surgical technique involving both bone and soft tissue elongation, commonly used to correct maxillofacial deformities and reconstruct facial bones. In cases of severe facial bone defects, conventional methods using off-the-shelf products for DO or surgical reconstruction often faced limitations in achieving stable bone fixation. This made it challenging to achieve distraction in the desired direction and often compromised fixation in critical areas. However, a product that combines a ready-made bone distractor with a customized plate is highly effective in addressing these limitations. This innovative approach enables fixation in the desired area and facilitates distraction in the intended direction. Here, the authors present a case demonstrating the successful application of this method to treat a patient with severe mandibular deformity and defects resulting from multiple unsuccessful orthognathic surgeries.