Distraction osteogenesis is preferred over a traditional osteotomy:

 # Distraction osteogenesis is preferred over a traditional osteotomy: 

A. When a large advancement is needed 

B. When a small advancement is needed 

C. When exacted interdigitation of the occlusion is needed 

D. When the treatment needs to be done in a very short period of time 

The correct answer is A.  When a large advancement is needed.

Distraction osteogenesis is preferred over traditional osteotomies when large skeletal movements are required and the associated soft tissue cannot adapt to the acute changes and stretching that results. Larger movements may be at increased risk of some relapse; this is particularly true in a patient with a cleft palate, where there is significant soft tissue scarring from previous surgeries.