Combined Mandibular and Midline Distraction Osteogenesis in a Pediatric Patient with Mandibular Hypoplasia: A Case Report

AÇBİD 2026- 19. Kongre, Antalya, Türkiye, 8 - 12 Nisan 2026, ss.63, (Özet Bildiri)

Objective: Mandibular hypoplasia is characterized by insufficient development of the mandible

resulting from congenital or acquired causes. Mandibular hypoplasia may lead to upper airway

obstruction, respiratory distress and feeding difficulties. Mandibular distraction osteogenesis is an

effective surgical technique used to advance the mandible and improve upper airway patency. This

case report presents a two stage mandibular distraction osteogenesis procedure performed in a

patient with mandibular hypoplasia accompanied by functional impairment.

Case: A three-year-old male patient was referred to our clinic with complaints of mandibular retrusion,

noisy breathing, and feeding difficulties. Clinical examination revealed a hypoplastic and retrusive

mandible with a characteristic bird face appearance. Considering the mandibular deficiency and

associated functional problems, mandibular distraction osteogenesis was planned. Bilateral pediatric

corpus distractors were placed to achieve mandibular advancement. Following the distraction and

consolidation phases, the distractors were removed. Subsequently, a midline distractor was applied

in the mandibular anterior region to improve the arch form and increase transverse width. The

treatment was completed with midline distraction osteogenesis. Follow-up examinations demonstrated

improvement in mandibular projection as well as functional recovery.

Conclusion: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis is a reliable and effective surgical approach for the

management of respiratory and feeding problems associated with mandibular hypoplasia. In the

present case, bilateral corpus distraction was used to advance the mandible and improve airway

function, while midline distraction was performed to increase mandibular arch width and correct

anterior crowding. The combined use of corpus and midline distraction may provide favorable

functional and morphological outcomes in selected patients.