Jaw Distraction Photo Gallery Albany

Facial Reconstruction, Jaw Distraction - #2421

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Description: DISTRACTION: This newborn was born with Pierre Robin Sequence, which is a condition characterized by a small lower jaw, cleft palate and breathing difficulties. We had tried all sort of conservative measures to improve her breathing including placing her on her stomach, inserting a nasal breathing tube, all of which were unsuccessful. At this point, the parents were faced with the option of a surgical airway (tracheotomy) or distraction osteogenesis, and elected to proceed with the later. This is a procedure where bone cuts are made on either side of the jaw, which are then stabilized with a small plates with an adjustable screw. The bone segments are gradually pulled apart (distracted) by turning an external screw several times a day which enables new bone to form across the gap. The result is to effectively lengthen the jaw and eliminate breathing and feeding difficulties in a short period of time, as little as one week. read more

Individual results may vary.

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