Mandibular distraction osteogenesis in infants younger than 3 months

Andrew R. Scott, Robert J. Tibesar, Timothy A. Lander, Daniel E. Sampson, James D. Sidman

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

69 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the long-term outcomes and complications in infants with upper airway obstruction and feeding difficulty who underwent bilateral mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) within the first 3 months of life and to identify any preoperative characteristics that may predict the long-term outcome following early MDO intervention for airway obstruction. Methods: An institutional, retrospective medical chart review was performed. Inclusion criteria were bilateralMDO performed at an age younger than 3 months, with a minimum follow-up of 3 years. A quantitative outcome measures scale was developed, and patients were scored based on long-term postoperative complications as well as airway and feeding goals. Factors such as need for an additional surgical procedure were also considered. Results: Nineteen children were identified as having undergone MDO before 3 months of age and having more than 3 years of follow-up data. The mean age at distraction was 4.8 weeks (range, 5 days-12 weeks); the mean length of follow-up was 5.6 years (range, 37-122 months). Of these 19 patients, 14 had isolated Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) and 5 had syndromic PRS. All patients with isolated PRS had a good or intermediate long-term result. Infants with comorbidities such as developmental delay, seizures, or arthrogryposis had the poorest outcomes. Conclusions: Bilateral MDO is a relatively safe and effective means of treating airway obstruction and feeding difficulty in infants with PRS. The effects of this procedure, which carries a relatively low morbidity, persist through early childhood in most patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)173-179
Number of pages7
JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery
Volume13
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2011

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