Closure of an oronasal fistula in an irradiated palate by tissue and bone distraction osteogenesis

Uses for distraction osteogenesis in the craniofacial skeleton have expanded during the last decade. It has become an important rung in the reconstructive ladder for correction of difficult defects. Distraction of irradiated bone has been successfully performed in an animal model but has not been reported in human subjects. We present a case of distraction osteogenesis in a patient with multiple failed reconstructive attempts to close an irradiated palatal defect. An additional benefit included improvement in support of the upper lip from bone transported and the potential for placing dental implants.