Cleft palate is one of the most common congenital deformities, which may do harm to the function of stomatological system and psychological health. Repairing bone defect of cleft palate has been focused by researchers. Distraction osteogenesis（DO） is one of the new techniques of repairing maxillofacial deformity. Using DO to repair bone defect of cleft palate is proved to be effective. This article introduced the device of distraction, timing, design of the operation, complications and prognosis. We also reviewed the investigation and application of DO on hard palate closure and lengthening, alveolar cleft closure and maxillary retrusion correcting.
