Finite element modeling of distraction osteogenesis for a maxilla with severe cleft palate

This paper presents the finite element analysis (FEA)-based surgical planning for the distraction osteogenesis of the maxilla with severe midface hypoplasia induced by a cleft palate. Based on the three dimensional FEA model of the craniofacial bone complex built from 2-D CT images for a patient with cleft palate, the maxillary advancements corresponding to LeFort I, LeFort II and LeFort III distraction osteogenesis are analyzed by the three-dimensional finite element analysis. The FEA results indicate that LeFort II is the best scheme of the distraction osteogenesis for the maxilla advancement of the patient with hypoplastic maxilla result from a severe cleft palate.