Complications after mandibular distraction osteogenesis: a retrospective study of 131 patients

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to evaluate the occurrence and severity of complications after mandibular distraction osteogenesis (DO) with internal devices.Study designThe study was a retrospective analysis of 131 patients (mean age: 16.2 years) consecutively treated by mandibular DO from 1998 to 2009. Ninety-two patients had unilateral and 39 had bilateral distraction, yielding a total of 170 procedures. The mean follow-up period was 21 months. Severity of complications was ranked in terms of need of intervention and risk of a compromised outcome.ResultsMinor, moderate, and severe complications occurred in 58%, 8%, and 3% of the patients, respectively. Most minor complications were related to device activation or temporary hypesthesia. Moderate complications often related to hardware, whereas severe complications occurred in 4 patients with sensory deficit or temporomandibular joint problems.ConclusionsAlthough minor complications were frequent, they did not compromise treatment outcome, so mandibular DO is considered a safe method for correction of mandibular deformities. Moreover, some of the complications could be prevented by proper precautions.