Premaxillary Reconstruction by Distraction Osteogenesis for Cleft Lip/Palate

Patients with cleft lip and palate usually present midfacial depression and anterior cross-bite. This dentofacial deformity has been believed due to the undergrowth of maxilla and/or the collapse of premaxilla. But, in the case that the collapsed premaxilla exists only, the reconstruction of the premaxilla has to be required for the correction of that deformity. These cases show the surgical treatment of midfacial depression and anterior cross-bite in the cleft lip and palate. After the careful diagnosis for the collapse of premaxilla, the reconstruction using distraction osteogenesis was done successfully. As a result, the anterior overbite / overjet, and facial esthetics were improved remarkably, and the occlusion was also recovered to normal state. In conclusion, the premaxillary reconstruction by distraction osteogenesis in cleft lip and palate patients is a good treatment method based on the pathophysiology.ope