Long-term vertical stability of horseshoe osteotomy for the correction of large vertical excess of the maxilla, a retrospective assessment in 15 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Vertical stability after a Le Fort I (LF1) osteotomy with substantial upward movement can be compromised by the position and the volume of the inferior turbinate. A horseshoe (HS) osteotomy represents then an alternative as it preserves the hard palate and the intranasal volume. The aim of this study was to assess the vertical stability of the maxilla after HS osteotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent a HS osteotomy for the correction of long-face syndrome were retrospectively analyzed. The vertical stability was assessed on lateral cephalograms performed preoperatively (T0), immediately postoperatively (T1), and at the last follow-up (T2) by studying points C (the distal cusp of the first maxillary molar), point P (the prosthion, the lowest edge of the maxillary alveolus of the central incisor), and point I (the upper central incisor edge) in a coordinate system. Postoperative complications and aesthetics of the smile were also investigated. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were included (7 females, 8 males, mean age 25.5 ± 9.8 yeras). The mean impaction ranged from 5 mm on point P to 6.1 mm on point C, with a maximal movement of 9.5 mm. A non-significant relapse of 0.8 ± 1.7, 0.6 ± 0.8, and 0.5 ± 1.8 mm was observed after a mean 20.7 months on point C, P, and I respectively. Smile parameters were significantly improved by the procedure, mainly regarding the correction of the gum smile. CONCLUSION: HS osteotomy represents a good alternative to total LF1 osteotomy for substantial maxillary upward movement in long face syndrome deformities.