FACING THE FACTS

FACING THE FACTS Wang Na's historic surgeries involved a complicated series of procedures Wang Na was borm without an upper jawbone, and the bones that should have grown onto the upper jawbone also degenerated, As a result, the middle part of her face had no support and was concave. BEFORE OPERATIONS Doctors specialized in maxilo- facial surgery, computer modeling, microsurgery and orthodontics conduct meetings seeing after seeing Wang Na and decide the course of action. Wang Na's skull Typical skull PHASE 1: DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS OF CHEEKBONES SEPT 5, 2006 Years in treatment A cut is made in the cheekbones. The healing tissue in the cut is then skowly and gradualy stretched, or distracted. Doctors need to be very careful in calculating the shape of the cheekbones, because the cut and inner dynamics of her cheekbones afect the safety of her eyes and brain. Doctors place a device across a cut area of bone. The distractor pins are turned at precise intervals and distances. runtil the desired length of bone is reached. This is done about twice daily for one to two weeks. -Halo Pins The procedure brings the checkbones 1.5 cm forward. Bone cut SEPT 5, 2006 PHASE 2: RECONSTRUCTION OF THE UPPER JAWBONE, USING FIBULA (CALF BONE) APRIL 18, 2007 Doctors cut a piece fibula (with skin and flesh) in the leg. APRIL 18, 2007 They form it into a hoof shape. Next they stitch the piece onto the cheekbones. MARCH 14, 2009 PHASE 3: RECONSTRUCTION OF TEETH AND NOSE MARCH 14, 2009 Crown The nose is reshaped. Gum Implant Finally, the artificial teeth are implanted. MAY 17, 2010 Jawbone The dentures are fixed. Wang Na looks like a whole The lower jawbone is reshaped. new person. Souron Stomataiogical Hosptal of the Fourth Mitary Medkal Uhversity in n. Chidren's Hospal St. Lous. GLILLERMO MLNRO /CHINA DAILY