Distractor with supporting computer program for the reconstruction of arc defects in mandible by distraction osteogenesis.

Distraction osteogenesis as a technique seems to be a promising method in craniofacial bone lengthening and reconstruction through the process of bone and soft-tissue regeneration under stimulation of gradual tensile stress. Distractor plays a very important role especially in the reconstruction of large, irregular bone defects. We designed a new-type distractor and supporting computer program for the reconstruction of arc defects in the mandible by distraction osteogenesis. This distractor was applied for the reconstruction of the monkeys' artificial mandibular median defects. Owing to computer program, perfect distracting plan was made to finish this task. X-ray files showed that the mandibular defects in all animals were repaired successfully, and the anterior mandibular contours were similar to the normal ones. The success of distraction osteogenesis for repair of mandibular median defects in monkeys suggests that this distractor and supporting computer program met the needs of the reconstruction of arc defects in the mandible by distraction osteogenesis.