Rigid external distractor for correcting midface defects in repaired cleft lip-palate patients

Introduction: The present study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of distraction osteogenesis as a treatment modality in case of midfacial deformity associated with cleft lip and palate patients and to suggest a modified protocol for distraction osteogenesis for midface and dentoalveolar segments in cleft lip and palate patients. nd application of Rigid external distractor (RED). The distraction was carried out over a period of 6-13 days at a rate of 4.0 mm per day. Materials and Methods: Ten patients with cleft lip and palate having midfacial deficiency and falling in ASA grade 1 and ASA grade 2 categories were selected and taken up for the necessary treatment with the use of a Le Fort 1 osteotomy a Results: Advancement of the segment achieved at the end of one month fell in the range of 16 mm – 24 mm and 7 mm - 18 mm at the end of six months. Conclusion: Distraction osteogenesis proved to be an effective treatment modality in case of craniofacial deformity associated with cleft lip and palate patients. We have also suggested a modified protocol for distraction osteogenesis for midface and dentoalveolar segments in such patients.