OBJECTIVETo investigate the causes and the prophylactic for the complications following mandibular distraction osteogenesis using internal distractors.

METHODSFrom 1997 to 2004, a total of 46 patients (61 sides) suffering from malformations or defects of mandible who underwent mandibular distraction osteogenesis were analyzed. The diseases included hemifacial microsomia in 27 cases, congenital or acquired mandibular hypoplasia and micrognathia bilateral in 8 cases and unilateral in 4 cases, electronical injury or postoperative mandibular defects in 3 cases, Treacher Collins syndrome in 2 cases, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in 2 cases.

RESULTSOf them, 9 patients had postoperative complications, which included 3 patients had complications associated with distractors, local infection occurred in 2 cases, apertognathia of anterior teeth in 2 case, 2 patients had sinus of the skin of the lower lip. 9 patients had been aggressivly managed and obtained satisfactory results.

CONCLUSIONSThe pivotal points to reduce complications are to understand the mechanism of mandibular distraction osteogenesis completely, and to be familiar with the anatomy of mandible and adjacent tissues. It is necessary to treat with it preoperatively and postoperatively.