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This article describes a case in which distraction osteogenesis of the
vertical ramus of the mandible was used for a young woman with
hemifacial microsomia. Failure of distraction occurred because of the
wrong vector of distraction. The floating bone technique was applied
to the vertical ramus and was used to correct the malocclusion and to
recover the height of the vertical ramus. Complete skeletal correction
of the asymmetry was obtained, with excellent esthetic results. The
case shows that the floating bone technique is a valid method to help
the surgeon in the management of malocclusion after distraction and
also in cases of failure of distraction. The floating bone is possible on
both the vertical ramus and on the horizontal ramus.
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