Rigid external distraction of the midface with direct wiring of the distraction unit in patients with craniofacial dysplasia

The development of craniofacial distraction techniques represents a significant advancement in the management of craniofacial dysplasias. For distraction of the midface after Le Fort III osteotomy, two levels of anchorage to the moving segments are necessary. In this report, the authors connected the distraction forces directly to the infraorbital rims, using a surgical wire for superior anchorage. They performed this technique in four patients with craniofacial dysplasia for the management of severe maxillary hypoplasia using RED II system. This configuration not only simplified the placement of the system but also made the removal of the device much easier. The authors did not have any problems with the wire traction unit, such as wire breakdown or bony tunnel disruption. It is a cheap, simple, and effective configuration that can be easily performed without any complication.