[Distractios osteogenesis in maxillofacial surgery].

For more than one decade the extremity surgery already used distraction osteogenesis. This new therapy in the region of the maxillofacial surgery (in the case of malformation of the maxilla and mandible) was adapted from the extremity surgeons. The authors summarized and classified the methods and history of the osteodistraction surgery based on literature. The indication fields, the used protocols and the most common distractor types are listed. The authors emphasized the multidisciplinary feature of the therapies, underlined the leading role of the orthodontist. With presenting their own two mandible distraction case reports they introduced the practical use of the distractors while using intra- and extraoral devices. They also emphasized the difficulties and failure opportunities. Their aim was to make suggestions for the further development of this method in our country.