von Langenbeck was the first to perform Distraction Osteogenesis in long bones.
1905
Godvilla reported also the use of Distraction Osteogenesis for the lengthening of long bones.
1927
Abbot suggested that the technique should be avoided due to the complications resulting from its clinical application.
1989
Ilizarov revived the technique after publishing the results of his experiments and clinical studies over almost 30 years.
Distraction Osteogenesis or Callus Distraction was described by Ilizarov as: "Process of new bone formation between the surfaces of bone segments gradually separated by incremental traction".
The structure of the distraction regenerate consists of 2 mineralization zones with longitudinally oriented primary osteons and in between a fibrous interzone with collagen bundles which are directed parallel to the vector of distraction.
1992
McCarthy et al., published their results with Distraction Osteogenesis on mid-face membranous bones and human mandible lengthening. This started a new era in the field of surgical correction of cranio-facial deformities.
New extra and intra oral devices were developed for Distraction Osteogenesis.
