Distraction Osseogenesis
I gave several lectures this month on distraction osteogenesis or bone lengthening. The procedure was developed by Gavriel Ilizarov, a Soviet orthopedic surgeon from Siberia to lengthen legs and arms. About 15 years ago, when I returned from my craniofacial and plastic surgery fellowship in France with Dr. Paul Tessier, I researched and invented several devices for internal distraction osteogenesis. The devices are now used to lengthen the bones of the face, arms, and legs. The internal position of the device decreases the amount of pain and makes the recovery easier.
The lectures were given at the Denver Review Course for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Colorado Academy of Osseointegration, and the Orthopedic Department at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I enjoy the teaching side of things, especially the young doctors who are eager to learn. Walter Reed Army Medical Center outside Washington, D.C. is an amazing place. The surgeons and facility are first class and it made me so very proud of our soldiers and their sacrifices on our account. I hope that my devices can be used to ease their pain and restore their injuries.
In a few days, I leave for Vietnam again to help train doctors there in reconstructive surgery. Our group, Face the Challenge is a Christian medical relief organization, and has been incorporated as a 501(c)(3) since 1993. I will give a report on the trip next month.
