A Novel Minimally Invasive Technique of Using Tooth-Borne Hyrax Expansion Screw for Distraction Osteogenesis of Large Alveolar Cleft Defects (HYDIS-TB)

Abstract

Because of the high failure rates, large alveolar cleft defects cannot be successfully closed with bone grafting. Vega introduced the use of the hyrax screw for the closure of such defects by distraction osteogenesis. However, his technique was more invasive with a difficult adaptation of the appliance at the surgical table. To overcome these limitations, a completely tooth-borne trifocal distraction appliance was devised and placed after osteotomy in a 22-year-old repaired group 3 cleft patient who had a 15-mm alveolar defect on the right side. The tooth-borne trifocal distraction appliance was successful in the controlled closure of a large alveolar cleft with minimal invasiveness and low costs making this procedure feasible for a greater number of patients.