OBJECTIVETo investigate the possibility of closing bony palatal cleft and lengthening hard palate.

METHODSTen 6-month mongrel dogs were divided into three groups: the control(n = 2), sham control (n = 2) and the experimental group(n = 6). An 8 mm x 25 mm posterior hard palatal cleft was made surgically by bilateral and anterior osteotomies of the palate in six experimental dogs. After a 5-day latency period, a distraction device made of NiTi-shape memory alloy was placed in position for continuous extension of the hard palate. Each distractor was kept in place for 8 weeks after the cleft was closed.

RESULTSThe posterior cleft was closed in 2-3 weeks period of the distraction, while the anterior cleft was narrowed to 1-2 mm in width. The hard palate was lengthened backward obviously. The new bone was observed in the area after the distraction.

CONCLUSIONThe above-mentioned technique may be an effective technique for bony repair of the cleft palate.