Distraction Osteogenesis
Pronunciation: dis-TRAK-shun OS-tee-oh-JEN-uh-sis
Also written as: DO — Distraction Osteogenesis
A surgical technique that generates new bone by gradually separating two osteotomy segments, allowing new bone to form in the distraction gap.
Full Definition
Distraction osteogenesis (DO) exploits the body's regenerative capacity by performing a controlled osteotomy and then incrementally widening the gap between the two bone segments using a mechanical device called a distractor. New bone (the regenerate) forms progressively in the widening gap. In oral and maxillofacial surgery, the technique is applied to correct jaw hypoplasia, lengthen the mandible, or reconstruct alveolar bone prior to implant placement. The process has three phases: latency (post-surgical rest), distraction (active separation), and consolidation (hardening of the regenerate). Editors must spell 'osteogenesis' correctly and should not conflate this term with 'guided bone regeneration', which uses membranes rather than mechanical distraction.
Usage
Usage note: The abbreviation DO is used informally in surgical literature; define on first use. The three phases—latency, distraction, consolidation—should be spelled correctly in protocols and patient information leaflets.
In Context
- "Distraction osteogenesis was selected to lengthen the deficient mandibular ramus, with a planned distraction rate of 1 mm per day." — Surgical treatment plan
- "The consolidation phase of distraction osteogenesis was extended to twelve weeks due to the patient's history of bisphosphonate use." — Case conference report