Cranial nerve injury after Le Fort I osteotomy

A Le Fort I osteotomy is widely used to correct dentofacial deformity because it is a safe and reliable surgical method. Although rare, various complications have been reported in relation to pterygomaxillary separation. Cranial nerve damage is one of the serious complications that can occur after Le Fort I osteotomy. In this report, a 19-year-old man with unilateral cleft lip and palate underwent surgery to correct maxillary hypoplasia, asymmetry and mandibular prognathism. After the Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy, the patient showed multiple cranial nerve damage; an impairment of outward movement of the eye (abducens nerve), decreased vision (optic nerve), and paraesthesia of the frontal and upper cheek area (ophthalmic and maxillary nerve). The damage to the cranial nerve was related to an unexpected sphenoid bone fracture and subsequent trauma in the cavernous sinus during the pterygomaxillary osteotomy.     

Precise control of maxillary multidirectional movement in Le Fort I osteotomy using a surgical guiding device

We introduced a surgical protocol to achieve accurate maxillary multidirectional movement in Le Fort I osteotomies. This comprised a way of controlling precision and a guiding device together with prebent titanium plates. We evaluated the protocol using a semiautomated 3-dimensional assessment in 22 patients with maxillary multidirectional movement (movement in three or more of six directions). Operations were all done between October 2015 and April 2017 by the same surgeon, who followed the protocol strictly. To evaluate the accuracy, we measured the deviation of the orientation of landmarks and of the upper dentition. All cases were followed up for at least a year. They all involved maxillary movement in at least three directions, and nine involved movement in six. The guiding device was used intraoperatively in all cases. Vertical deviation of the segments of bone was often detected during removal of bone, and sagittal deviation in three cases, but we found no transverse deviations. The assessment of accuracy showed that the mediolateral, anteroposterior, and superoinferior translations of landmarks were all less than 1 mm, with mean values of 0.29, 0.43, and 0.39 mm, respectively. The pitch, roll, and yaw of the upper dentition were also less than 1°, with mean values of 0.60°, 0.35°, 0.36°, respectively. The proposed protocol allowed accurate reposition of the maxilla with multidirectional movement during Le Fort I osteotomy.     

Adie's pupil following Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy: case report

Complications after Le Fort I osteotomy are rare. We report, to our knowledge, the first case of bilateral Adie's pupil after Le Fort I osteotomy.     

Late onset of abducens palsy after Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy

Abducens nerve palsy after low-level Le Fort 1 maxillary osteotomy is a rare complication, but with few cases reported, its true incidence is not known. We report an unusual case of late postoperative onset of abducens palsy that differs from existing case reports.     

Le Fort I osteotomy using an ultrasonic bone curette to fracture the pterygoid plates

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the advantageous use of an ultrasonic bone curette and to assess the mobilization of the pterygoid process after a Le Fort I osteotomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 14 Japanese adults (ranging in age from 17 to 30 years, mean 22.4) with jaw deformities diagnosed as mandibular prognathism or bimaxillary asymmetry underwent Le Fort I osteotomy with bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy or intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy. During the Le Fort I osteotomy, the Sonopet UST-2000 ultrasonic bone curette was used to fracture the pterygoid process slightly above the level of the maxillary osteotomy without damaging the descending palatine artery or other blood vessels and nerves. After surgery, the pterygoid process osteotomy and its mobility were evaluated from three-dimensional computed tomographic images. RESULTS: In all cases, the mobility of the pterygoid process could be achieved by using the device safely with minimal bleeding and no notable complications. The maxillary segment could be fixed in an ideal position and in all 14 cases, an ideal profile was achieved. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonic bone curette offers a safe procedure for performing pterygoid process fractures without damaging the surrounding tissue such as the descending palatine artery.     

Pattern of pterygomaxillary disarticulation associated with Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy

Pterygomaxillary disarticulation (PMD) contributes to surgical complications of Le Fort 1 osteotomy and is associated with undesirable fractures of the pterygoid plates. The aim of this paper was to investigate the patterns of PMD in Le Fort I osteotomies using Rowe's disimpaction forceps, and to evaluate correlations with age and anatomical measurements. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 70 consecutive orthognathic patients were retrospectively evaluated to study four patterns of PMD: Type 1 - PMD at, or anterior to, the pterygomaxillary junction (PMJ); Type 2 - PMD posterior to the PMJ; Type 3 - PMJ separation with comminuted fracture of the pterygoid plates; Type 4 - disarticulation of the maxilla involving the pterygoid plates above the level of the osteotomy line. The preoperative anteroposterior and mediolateral thicknesses of the PMJ and the length of the medial and lateral pterygoid plates were assessed. Satisfactory PMD was achieved in all cases and no severe complications were reported, including vascular, dental, mucosal, or neural damage. The most common PMD was Type 1 (54.3%), followed by Type 2 (40%). Comminuted fracture of the pterygoid plates was limited to 5.7% of cases, and no Type 4 was detected. A weak correlation was detected between PMJ thickness and PMD pattern (p = 0.04). No statistically significant correlation was detected between patients’ age and type of PMD. PMD of Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy using a Smith spreader and Rowe's disimpaction forceps proved safe, with minimal damage to the pterygoid plates.     

Evaluation of an interactive multi-media device for delivering information on Le Fort I osteotomy

This study was carried out on volunteers to evaluate a newly developed interactive software package aimed at informing prospective Le Fort I osteotomy patients regarding the surgical technique and possible complications. The aim of the study was to compare two methods of information delivery; a multi-media tablet device delivering both graphic and verbal information, and an audio device delivering essentially the same information in verbal form only. The null hypothesis was that there would be no difference between the efficiencies of the two methods. The subjects' ability to recall the information delivered by both devices was assessed using a questionnaire. The tablet device participants scored an average of 15.48 points, while the audio device participants scored an average of 268 points. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001), suggesting that the multi-media tablet device was more effective method.     

上颌骨Le Fort I型截骨进路切除巨大鼻咽纤维血管瘤

目的:探讨上颌骨LeFortI型截骨进路切除累及翼腭凹、颞下凹巨大鼻咽纤维血管肿瘤的可行性。方法:采用矫正上颌骨先天或后天畸形的LeFortI型截骨术式进路,切除位于鼻咽部、筛窦等深在部位的纤维血管瘤。结果:该进路术野显露充分,取得了理想的治疗效果。结论:上颌骨LeFortI型截骨进路是切除鼻咽、颅底部纤维血管瘤的理想进路。     

Comparison of scleral show alterations following Le Fort I osteotomy with either maxillary impaction or lengthening

This study aimed at evaluating changes in scleral show following Le Fort I osteotomy with either impaction or lengthening of the mid face. Patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy were included. The patients were divided according to the direction of the movement: group 1 underwent maxillary advancement and impaction, while group 2 underwent maxillary advancement and lengthening. Standardized preoperative and 6-month postoperative photos were superimposed using Microsoft PowerPoint. The inferior visible scleral area was assessed with landmarks and measured separately using ImageJ software. Marked scleral surface area was determined using pixel count. A total of 36 consecutive patients were included. The mean maxillary advancement in the patients was 4.16 ± 2.14 mm. The mean impaction in group 1 (n= 21) was 1.06 ± 1.49 mm, while the mean vertical lengthening in group 2 (n = 15) was 1.54 ± 1.65 mm. The difference in improvement in the inferior scleral show between the groups was not statistically significant. Preoperative (180 ± 118.2 mm) and postoperative (147.75 ± 92.2 mm) scleral show significantly improved (p = 0.012) in both groups. Scleral show can be overlooked for movements under 6 mm while planning for maxillary orthognathic movement, as it improves regardless of the desired movement.     

Influence of the anatomical form of the posterior maxilla on the reliability of superior maxillary repositioning by Le Fort I osteotomy

Certain patients with facial deformities require superior repositioning of the maxilla via Le Fort I osteotomy; however, the magnitude of superior repositioning of the maxilla is often less than expected. In this study, the correlation between the accuracy of superior repositioning of the maxilla and the anatomical form of the maxillary posterior region was examined. Seventy-five patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy without forward movement of the maxilla but with superior repositioning of the maxilla were included in this study. The bone volume around the descending palatine artery (DPA), the angle of the junction between the pterygoid process and the tuberosity, and the distance between the upper second molar and the pterygoid process were measured via three-dimensional analysis. A significant negative correlation (r = ?0.566) was found between the bone volume around the DPA and the ratio of repositioning (actual movement divided by expected movement). It is possible that the superior repositioning of the maxilla expected prior to surgery was not sufficiently attained because of the large volume of bone around the DPA. The results of this study show that in some patients, superior repositioning was not achieved at the expected level because of bone interference attributable to the anatomical form of the maxillary posterior region.     

Role of Le Fort type I osteotomy approach in juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma

Le Fort type I osteotomy is a fracture that extends from the pyriform aperture to each of the pterygoid plates, resulting in the detachment of the upper jaw from the cranial base. A retrospective study was conducted on 12 patients with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) who underwent the Le Fort type I approach. Preoperatively, all cases were investigated with computed tomographic scans with contrast and angiography with embolisation. This paper highlights the surgical technique, results and treatment morbidity. The average age of the patients was 21 years, average duration of surgery was 3.2h and average blood loss was 550 ml. All cases had significant symptomatic improvement postoperatively. At 1 year follow up, the authors encountered dental malocclusion in one case and no recurrence of JNA. The Le Fort I osteotomy approach is an excellent approach for the excision of JNA because it allows good surgical exposure, better haemostasis, is cosmetically more acceptable and has a very low morbidity.     

Biomechanical evaluation of two miniplate fixations applied in the anterior region after Le Fort I osteotomy: an experimental study

The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the reliability of two-plate fixations applied to the anterior region of the maxilla after Le Fort I osteotomy in terms of stability. Twenty polyurethane-based skull models were used to evaluate two fixation techniques. Two groups consisting of four and two L-shaped titanium miniplates were tested. Each group was tested with the application of vertical forces in the anteroposterior direction using a servohydraulic testing unit. The displacement values in each group at each stage (from 10 N - 120 N) were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. The displacement values for the two groups were not statistically significant up to 20 N, but differed significantly between 20 N and 120 N (p < 0.05). The results showed that the biomechanical behaviour of fixation with four miniplates was better than that of two after a load of 20 N. It can be concluded that when the amount of maxillary advancement is increased to 10 mm or more, fixation with only two plates does not provide sufficient stability experimentally.     

Time-course change in temporomandibular joint space after advancement and setback mandibular osteotomy with Le Fort I osteotomy

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare time-course changes in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) space between mandibular advancement surgery and setback surgery after sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) and Le Fort I osteotomy.

Trans oral approach to the nasopharynx and clivus using the Le Fort I osteotomy with midpalatal split

The Le Fort I level osteotomy is a procedure well known to oral and maxillofacial surgeons, who routinely use it to correct midfacial skeletal deformities and alter the dental occlusion. This osteotomy can also be used as a maxillotomy for access to more superiorly and posteriorly situated structures. The downfracture technique provides the surgeon with a safe approach that allows visualization of the maxillary sinuses, nasal cavity, nasopharynx, base of the skull and upper cervical spine. This approach can also be combined with a midline lip split, mandibulotomy and glossotomy to give access to retropharyngeal structures. By modifying the combined Le Fort I and transmandibular approach utilizing a midline split of the hard and soft palate, the access to the clivus can be improved considerably. The clinical applications of these combined procedures in the treatment of basilar invagination and tumors of the nasopharynx are discussed.     

Higher need for removal of osteosynthesis material after multi-piece versus one-piece Le Fort I osteotomy: A retrospective study of 339 patients

The aim of the present study was to identify the risk factors for removal of osteosynthesis material after multi-piece Le Fort I osteotomy compared to standard one-piece Le Fort I osteotomy (LF1).Medical files of patients treated with multi-piece or one-piece LF1 were retrospectively reviewed, including the indication for removal and time between insertion and removal. A total of 339 patients were included: 290 patients with LF1 and 49 patients with multi-piece LF1.Patients undergoing multi-piece LF1 had 2.7-times significantly higher (p < 0.001) relative risk of osteosynthesis removal in the upper jaw (42.9%) than patients undergoing LF1 (15.9%). Significant independent predictors of removal of osteosynthesis material after multi-piece LF1 were older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0–1.2; p = 0.028), simultaneous bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (OR 7.8, 95% CI 1.2–50.3; p = 0.031), and no previous surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03–0.69; p = 0.15).Significantly higher removal rates of osteosynthesis material were found after multi-piece LF1. Therefore, all patients must be informed of the higher risk for removal of osteosynthesis material when undergoing a multi-piece LF1.     

Le Fort I 型截骨术相关骨性解剖标志的多层CT测量研究

目的:应用多层CT影像测量上颌与LeFortI型截骨手术相关骨性解剖标志,为避免损伤腭降动脉提供指导.方法:选择60例正常成人上颌多层CT扫描图像,应用efilm1.94图像处理软件测量.结果:颧牙槽嵴至翼腭管的距离平均为26mm;翼突的宽度平均为13mm;犁状孔边缘至翼腭管的距离平均为37mm;前后鼻棘的距离为47mm;犁状孔边缘至翼腭管连线与矢状面的角度为7°8'.结论:参照测量获得的解剖数据在术中能降低腭降动脉损伤的发生率.     

Severe unilateral scissor bite and bimaxillary protrusion treated by horseshoe Le Fort I osteotomy combined with mid-alveolar osteotomy

This report describes an orthognathic surgical case employing horseshoe Le Fort I osteotomy (HLFO) combined with mid-alveolar osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) for a patient with severe unilateral scissor bite and bimaxillary protrusion. A female patient (aged 26 years, 2 months) presented with a chief complaint of dysmasesis caused by scissor bite on the right side. The clinical examination revealed difficulty in lip closure and a convex profile. Overerupted right maxillary premolars and molars and lingual tipping of the right mandibular premolars and molars were indicated before treatment. After 3 months of presurgical orthodontic treatment, two-jaw surgery involving a combination of HLFO with mid-alveolar osteotomy and BSSRO was performed. A good interdigitation in the right side was established by superior-posterior-medial movement of the dento-alveolar segment of the maxilla. Next, both the maxilla and mandible were moved superiorly and posteriorly to correct the improper lip protrusion, thereby improving the patient''s profile. Our results suggest that this new orthognathic surgery technique—achieved by combining HLFO with mid-alveolar osteotomy and BSSRO—is effective for adult patients exhibiting severe unilateral scissor bite and bimaxillary protrusion.     

Cone beam computed tomography evaluation of tooth injury after segmental Le Fort I osteotomy

The purpose of this study was to explore the incidence of injuries to the teeth at the vertical osteotomy line after segmental Le Fort I osteotomy by examination of postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Data for this retrospective case study were collected using CBCT images of 132 patients with an indication for Le Fort I osteotomy with three-piece segmentation of the maxilla. Twenty-two patients (17%, 95% confidence interval 10–23%) had dental injuries. No patient had more than one dental injury. Thirty-three patients (25%, 95% confidence interval 18–32%) had bone dehiscence of the teeth (defined as the osteotomy line passing through the periodontal ligament). Six patients had bone dehiscence involving two teeth and one patient had bone dehiscence involving three teeth. In the group in which dental injuries occurred, the preoperative interdental distance at the vertical osteotomy line was significantly shorter than the interdental distance in the group without dental injuries. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that a preoperative interdental distance of more than 2.5 mm significantly reduced the possibility of tooth injuries adjacent to the vertical osteotomy line during Le Fort I osteotomy with three-piece segmentation of the maxilla.     

上颌前徙术对上颌发育不足患者腭咽部结构影响的临床探讨

目的：探讨上颌前移术对上颌发育不足患者腭咽部结构的影响。方法：选择2011-2013年行上颌Le FortI型截骨前移术的上颌发育不足患者12例,男7例,女5例,其中唇腭裂患者5例,非唇腭裂患者7例,平均年龄22．21岁,所有患者在术前、术后1月拍摄头颅定位侧位片,并对腭咽部结构指标进行测量分析。结果：上颌骨最大前移幅度8mill,最小3mm,平均前移（5．28±2．32）mm,术后咽腔深度明显增大（P〈0．05）;同时软腭长度及软硬腭夹角较术前11月显增大（P〈0．05）,软腭厚度减小。结论：上颌骨前移术造成患者咽腔深度显著增加,对腭咽闭合功能可能有不利影响：术后腭叫部软组织发生适应性变化,这种代偿性改变会在一定程度上减轻腭咽闭合不全。     

Accuracy of Le Fort I osteotomy in bimaxillary splint-based orthognathic surgery: focus on posterior maxillary movements

This retrospective study was performed to verify the accuracy of horizontal and vertical repositioning of the maxilla in bimaxillary osteotomy with a focus on posterior vertical displacement. Data from 39 orthognathic patients undergoing bimaxillary surgery including a one-piece Le Fort I osteotomy with pitch rotation and advancement at the University Hospitals of Leuven (Belgium), between January 2015 and April 2016, were included in the study. Preoperative and 1-week postoperative lateral cephalograms were digitized and imported into cephalometric software. Horizontal and vertical measurements of dental landmarks were used to assess the accuracy of maxillary repositioning, and errors were reported in terms of the mean and absolute mean. The horizontal advancements were randomly under- and over-corrected an average of 1.4 mm ± 1.2 mm. Vertical repositioning of the anterior maxilla followed the planning. A tendency for under-correction was found for posterior vertical intrusion of the maxilla. The same tendency towards under-correction of posterior maxillary inferior repositioning was detected when planned movements were greater than 3 mm. For all studied groups, no significant difference was found between the planning and the results achieved, validating the use of intermediate splints.