Gender-specific differences in haemostatic parameters and their influence on blood loss in bimaxillary surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this prospective cohort study were to establish gender-related differences in blood loss and haemostatic profiles associated with bimaxillary surgery. In addition, we aimed to identify if any gender differences could be established which might help predict blood loss volume. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients (22 males; 32 females) undergoing bimaxillary surgery for skeletal dentofacial deformities were eligible for inclusion. Blood samples were taken 1 day preoperatively and 48 h postoperatively for detailed gender-specific coagulation analysis incorporating global coagulation assays (endogenous thrombin potential) and specific coagulation parameters. Blood loss was measured at two different time points: (1) the end of surgery, visible intraoperative blood loss (IOB) using 'subtraction method'; and (2) 48 h postoperatively perioperative bleeding volume (CBL-48 h) using 'haemoglobin-balance method' and Nadler's formula. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to identify relevant parameters affecting the amount of blood loss. RESULTS: Significant differences in IOB and CBL-48 h were observed (p < 0.001). Men had higher IOB versus women, lacking statistical significance (p = 0.056). In contrast, men had significantly higher CLB-48 h (p = 0.019). Reduced CBL-48 h was shown to be most closely associated with the level of Antithrombin-III being decreased in females. CONCLUSIONS: Male gender is associated with higher IOB and CBL-48 compared with females. Gender does not affect IOB regarding haemostatic profile but does correlate strongly with procedure length. Conversely, CBL-48 is closely associated with gender-specific imbalances in the anticoagulant system. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge of gender-related differences will help clinicians establish predictive factors regarding excessive blood loss in orthognathic surgery and identify at-risk patients.

Intravenous ibuprofen versus diclofenac plus orphenadrine in orthognathic surgery: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of ibuprofen versus diclofenac plus orphenadrine on postoperative pain in orthognathic surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent orthognathic surgery were randomized into two groups to receive intravenously either 600 mg of ibuprofen (I-group) or 75 mg diclofenac plus 30 mg orphenadrine (D-group), both of which were given twice daily. Additionally, both groups were given metamizole 500 mg. Rescue pain medication consisted of acetaminophen 1000 mg and piritramide 7.5 mg as needed. To assess the pain intensity, the primary end point was the numeric rating scale (NRS) recorded over the course of the hospital stay three times daily for 3 days. RESULTS: One hundred nine patients were enrolled (age range, 18 to 61 years) between May 2019 and November 2020. Forty-eight bilateral sagittal split osteotomies (BSSO) and 51 bimaxillary osteotomies (BIMAX) were performed. Surgical subgroup analysis found a significant higher mean NRS (2.73 vs.1.23) in the BIMAX D-group vs. I-group (p = 0.015) on the third postoperative day. Additionally, as the patient's body mass index (BMI) increased, the mean NRS (r = 0.517, p = 0.001) also increased. No differences were found between age, gender, length of hospital stay, weight, operating times, number of patients with complete pain relief, acetaminophen or piritramide intake, and NRS values. No adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that ibuprofen administration and lower BMI were associated with less pain for patients who underwent bimaxillary osteotomy on the third postoperative day. Therefore, surgeons may prefer ibuprofen for more effective pain relief after orthognathic surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ibuprofen differs from diclofenac plus orphenadrine in class and is a powerful analgetic after orthognathic surgery.

Dilemma in the Treatment of a Central Giant Cell Granuloma.

Management of central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) presents a clinical challenge. While eradicating a lesion known for its high recurrence rate calls for radical surgical approaches, these cause significant esthetic and functional impairment. We present an eight-year-old boy suffering from an extraordinarily large CGCG expanding into the mandible and base of the mouth in the whole anterior region. Combined treatment with surgical intervention and corticosteroid application was successfully applied, and all six attached dental germs could be preserved. Different approaches for clinical management in pediatric cases are discussed.

Needle fracture as a complication of dental local anesthesia: recommendations for prevention and a comprehensive treatment algorithm based on literature from the past four decades.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this publication is to provide a concept for prevention and a standardized step-by-step clinical approach to this rare but serious and potentially preventable complication of dental local anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected data with a PUBMED search using the key words "local anesthesia," "dental anesthesia/anesthesia" OR "mandibular block anesthesia," "complication," "hypodermic needle," "needle breakage" OR "needle fracture," and "foreign body AND removal" OR "retrieval." The existing literature was systematically evaluated from 1980 to date using Microsoft Excel 2007 (Microsoft Corporation). RESULTS: After analysis of the literature, we included 36 reports documenting 59 needle breakage events and defined possible risk factors and preventive measures. All relevant reported parameters were listed in tabular form. The main result of this article is a treatment algorithm for this complication. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention of a needle fracture should be the main goal during local dental anesthesia. Use of longer hypodermic needle can obviate complex retrieval surgery. If immediate removal of the fragment fails, localization, planning, and the necessary surgical procedure should be arranged promptly. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Following a strict algorithm, successful surgical handling of this complication will depend on minimizing risk and following treatment recommendations closely.

Cone beam computed tomography for diagnosis of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: evaluation of quantitative and qualitative image parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic performance of quantitative and qualitative image parameters in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for diagnosis of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A BRONJ (22 patients, mean age 70.0 years) group was age and gender matched to a healthy control group (22 patients, mean age 68.0 years). On CBCT images two independent readers performed quantitative bone density value (BDV) measurements with region and volume-of-interest (ROI and VOI) based approaches and qualitative scoring of BRONJ-associated necrosis, sclerosis and periosteal thickening (1 = not present to 5 = definitely present). Intraoperative and clinical findings served as standard of reference. Interreader agreements and diagnostic performance were assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), kappa-statistics and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-three regions in 22 patients were affected by BRONJ. ICC values for mean BDV VOI and mean BDV ROI were 0.864 and 0.968, respectively (p < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) for mean BDV VOI and mean BDV ROI was 0.58/0.83 with a sensitivity of 57/83% and specificity of 61/77% for diagnosis of BRONJ, respectively. Kappa values for presence of necrosis, sclerosis and periosteal thickening were 0.575, 0.617 and 0.885, respectively. AUC values for qualitative parameters ranged between 0.90-0.96 with sensitivity of 96% and specificities between 79-96% at respective cutoff scores. CONCLUSIONS: BRONJ can be effectively diagnosed with CBCT. Qualitative image parameters yield a higher diagnostic performance than quantitative parameters, and ROI-based attenuation measurements were more accurate than VOI-based measurements.

Outcome of comminuted mandibular fracture repair using an intraoral approach for osteosynthesis.

PURPOSE: Traditionally, the treatment of comminuted mandibular fractures involves both closed and open reduction. However, modern treatment principles increasingly tend toward open reduction and internal fixation to shorten oro-functional rehabilitation. Although this method increasingly gained popularity to date, a controversy regarding the extraoral versus the intraoral surgical approach still exists. The current study aimed to objectively evaluate the outcome of comminuted mandibular fracture treatment involving open reduction and internal fixation using an intraoral approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients treated at the Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, University Hospital of Zurich, between 2005 and 2012 were included. Demographic, presurgical, perisurgical, and postsurgical data were tabulated and statistically evaluated using the χ test and the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Forty-five patients could be included. Excellent postoperative results were seen in 84% (38 patients) of the total cohort. Postoperative complications were seen in 16% (7 patients). These 7 patients had the following complications: wound dehiscence (7% [n = 3]), osteomyelitis (7% [n = 3]), abscess development (4% [n = 2]), bone necrosis (2% [n = 1]), and severe nonocclusion (2% [n = 1]). CONCLUSION: Present data showed that the intraoral approach for open reduction and internal fixation in comminuted mandibular fractures represents a comparable surgical technique regarding fracture repositioning and occlusal rehabilitation. Considerably, the risk of concomitant neurovascular damage or even facial scarring, as demonstrated in the extraoral approach, can be neglected by using this technique. Nevertheless, each case has to be judged on its own accord as to which technique can best treat the underlying fracture.

Augmented Reality-Guided Extraction of Fully Impacted Lower Third Molars Based on Maxillofacial CBCT Scans.

(1) Background: This study aimed to integrate an augmented reality (AR) image-guided surgery (IGS) system, based on preoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, into clinical practice. (2) Methods: In preclinical and clinical surgical setups, an AR-guided visualization system based on Microsoft's HoloLens 2 was assessed for complex lower third molar (LTM) extractions. In this study, the system's potential intraoperative feasibility and usability is described first. Preparation and operating times for each procedure were measured, as well as the system's usability, using the System Usability Scale (SUS). (3) Results: A total of six LTMs (n = 6) were analyzed, two extracted from human cadaver head specimens (n = 2) and four from clinical patients (n = 4). The average preparation time was 166 ± 44 s, while the operation time averaged 21 ± 5.9 min. The overall mean SUS score was 79.1 ± 9.3. When analyzed separately, the usability score categorized the AR-guidance system as "good" in clinical patients and "best imaginable" in human cadaver head procedures. (4) Conclusions: This translational study analyzed the first successful and functionally stable application of the HoloLens technology for complex LTM extraction in clinical patients. Further research is needed to refine the technology's integration into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.

Osteopathology induced by bisphosphonates and dental implants: clinical observations.

OBJECTIVES: Although there are many reports about risk factors for the development of BP-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws, the role of dental implants as a local risk factor is still discussed, especially in patients with oral BP treatment. Until now, a few case reports and surveys display a possible minor risk in patients with oral BP therapy, whereas the avoidance of implant placement is generally accepted in patients with intravenous BP therapy. PATIENT AND METHODS: In this study, the cases of 14 patients with osteonecrosis of the jaws in association with BP therapy and dental implant placement were analyzed carefully with a detailed literature review. RESULTS: Of 14 patients, nine had underlying malignant disease and five patients had osteoporosis. In ten patients, implants were placed either in the posterior mandible or maxilla; the mean interval between implant insertion and disease onset was 20.9 months. Pain (n12) and signs of infection (n10) were the most common symptoms. Histologically, signs of infection were found in nine of 11 analyzed patients with presence of Actinomyces in six patients. Two patients turned out to have infiltration of underlying malignant disease. CONCLUSIONS: Posteriorly placed implants seem to be of higher risk of development of osteonecrosis of the jaws. Not only the implant placement but also the inserted implant itself seems to be a continuous risk factor. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The herein elaborated risk factors help dentists plan dental rehabilitation with implants in this high-risk group of patients and indicate careful and regular dental recall.

Postoperative cranial vault growth in premature sagittal craniosynostosis.

Various techniques for the correction of sagittal craniosynostosis have been described in the literature. Nevertheless, there is a lack of consensus regarding surgical procedure and timing, although a long-term anthropometric analysis may shed light on this controversy. The aim of the current study was to collect serial anthropometric data of children before and after total cranial vault remodeling and to evaluate cranial vault growth pattern. Twenty-nine Swiss children with a surgical age between 8 and 10 months were included in this 5-year follow-up. Anthropologic data of sex- and age-matched healthy Swiss children served as a control. A standardized time protocol (before, after, 6 wk after surgery, 6 mo after surgery, and then annually until the age of six) for anthropometric skull measurements (head circumference, cranial length, breadth, and cephalic index) was used. Data were converted into the z score for standardized intercenter comparison. Postoperatively, all patients showed a marked benefit in cranial vault shape. Significant differences in long-term cranial growth pattern could be seen and a relapse into a dolichocephal skull growth. Both observations were rated as clinically irrelevant.

Cranial vault growth in multiple-suture nonsyndromic and syndromic craniosynostosis: a postoperative long-term anthropometric follow-up.

Long-term anthropometric follow-up of cranial vault growth may considerably add valuable information to current literature focusing on treatment strategies for premature multiple-suture craniosynostosis. The aim of this paper was to compare postoperative growth patterns of nonsyndromic and syndromic multiple-suture craniosynostotic children with sex-matched and age-matched children from the typically developing population. Forty-one multiple-suture craniosynostotic patients (19 nonsyndromic and 22 syndromic) were included in this 5-year follow-up. Anthropological data of sex-matched and age-matched normal Swiss children served as a control. A standardized time protocol for anthropometric skull measurements (head circumference and cephalic index) was used. Data were converted into Z-scores for standardized intercenter comparison. All patients showed a marked benefit in cranial vault shape after open skull remodeling. Significant differences in long-term cranial vault growth pattern could be seen between the nonsyndromic and the syndromic groups compared to the control group.

Heparin regimes in head and neck cancer flap surgery: A retrospective cohort study of free flap complications graded by Clavien-Dindo.

The purpose of the current study was to compare two different antithrombotic protocols for free flap reconstruction in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Postoperative complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification and compared between the two groups: the low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) group (n = 57) and the unfractionated heparin (UFH) group (n = 59). Patients with HNSCC from January 2010 to January 2022 were included. A total of 116 patients with a mean age of 60.46 years (range 43-83 years) were included in this study. In all, 81 were male (69.8%), and 35 were female (30.2%). Most patients (48.3%) had only grade 1 or 2 complications. CD grades (1-5) were similar between the two groups. Flap loss occurred in 2 patients (1.7%) in the LMWH group (p = 239). Prognostic factors of flap loss were high BMI, hypertension, high T stage, and high N stage. No differences were found between the groups in regard to age, sex, operating times, flap source, recipient vessels and overall complications. The results of this study demonstrate that UFH was as safe and effective as LMWH regarding postoperative complications. Free flap surgery is safe and effective for head and neck reconstruction.

Surgical site infections in maxillofacial trauma surgery - Single-dose versus prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis.

Open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) for facial fractures has frequently been associated with the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSIs). Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis is customarily recommended for ORIF. Thus, the comparison of two different antibiotic regimens (i.e., single-dose and prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis) concerning the rate and severity of SSIs in facial fracture patients undergoing ORIF was the main purpose of this study. This retrospective analysis included patients who underwent ORIF for facial fractures. They were distributed into two groups. The single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis group (SDAP) received single-dose perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis, whereas the prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis group (PAP) were administered prophylactic antibiosis over a course of 5 days. 122 patients were included in the study. Nine patients in the SDAP group and 15 patients in the PAP group were affected by SSIs; no significant difference in the incidence of SSIs was found (p = 0.218). Moreover, the severity of SSIs did not significantly differ between the two groups (p = 0.982).

Facial scars resulting from a transbuccal approach during osteosynthesis of a sagittal split osteotomy: A retrospective study.

The purpose of the current study was to assess the quality of facial linear scars. The Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES) was developed and validated as a tool to assess postoperative scars. Postoperative facial scars were rated using high-quality macrophotographs and SBSES by three independent raters at baseline and three months thereafter. Percentage agreement (PA) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to measure interrater and intrarater reliability. Scar outcomes ranging from 0 (worst) to 5 (best) were evaluated against age and gender. One-hundred-sixty-six patients with a mean age of 30.6 years (range of 17-59) were included in this study. Forty-four were male (26.5%), and 122 were female (73.5%). Mean total SBSES scores were 4.63 (range of 4.56-4.76) at baseline and 4.60 (range of 4.54-4.72) at three months. As patient's age increased, mean total SBSES scores also decreased significantly (r = -0.216, p = 0.005). Gender did not significantly affect raters' perception of scar cosmesis (p = 0.847). Interrater reliability showed an ICC of 0.675 (95% CI, 0.609-0.731) and a PA of 65.4% at baseline, and an ICC of 0.655 (95% CI, 0.585-0.715) and a PA of 64.2% at three months. Intrarater reliability found ICCs ranging from 0.988 to 0.990 and a PA of 96.8% with 3 separate raters. Within the limitations of the study it seems that the transbuccal approach during osteosynthesis of a sagittal split osteotomy seems still to be acceptable when the patient gives his or her informed consent and advanced instruments like an angled screwdriver are not available.

Segmental distraction osteogenesis of the anterior alveolar process using tooth-borne devices: is it skeletal movement or mainly dental tipping?

PURPOSE: Segmental distraction osteogenesis of the anterior alveolar process has been introduced as a technique designed to avoid extractions in patients with severe dental crowding. The aim of this study was to quantify the degree of dental tipping within the alveolar segment after distraction osteogenesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients treated for dental crowding, retruded anterior alveolar process, or flat curves of Spee using segmental distraction osteogenesis of the anterior alveolar process were included in the study. Dental-borne distraction devices were used while measuring points, and angles were defined to analyze the amount of dental tipping of the lower incisors after distraction. The measurements were performed using cone-beam computed tomographic scans. Periodontal health (eg, gingival recession, tooth mobility, and dental socket depths) was evaluated after distraction. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were included in the study. The amount of dental tipping within the total movement of the alveolar process showed a mean of 24% after distraction osteogenesis, whereas the skeletal movement was 76%. Dental socket depths and tooth mobility remained at the same levels as those before distraction osteogenesis. In one third of patients, gingival recession was observed around the canines. CONCLUSIONS: Segmental distraction osteogenesis of the anterior process is a powerful technique that can prevent extractions in patients with dental crowding. The technique can also compensate for retruded anterior alveolar process and accelerate or decelerate the curve of Spee. Patients with constricted periodontal health and those with a thin mandibular symphysis, however, cannot be treated with this technique because of the increased risk of dental tipping. Severe gingival recession must also be considered a possible side effect associated with this technique.

Anterior alveolar segmental osteodistraction with a bone-borne device: clinical and radiographic evaluation.

PURPOSE: Anterior alveolar osteodistraction is a common method for enlargement of the dentoalveolar process, and bone-borne distraction devices are hypothesized to avoid the risk of dental tipping and periodontal impairment during distraction. The aim of this study was to objectify this thesis and to determine the reliability of bone-borne osteodistraction of the anterior alveolar process. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 18 consecutive patients who underwent anterior alveolar segmental distraction with a bone-borne distraction device for the treatment of dental crowding or alveolar retrusion from 2008 through 2011. Clinical and radiologic changes within the apical base and dentoalveolar process were analyzed after bone-borne distraction osteogenesis. All measurements were carried out using cone-beam computed tomography. RESULTS: Surgery and the postoperative period were uneventful in all patients. Mean alveolar movement was 8.2° ± 2.4°. Skeletal movement was 97.6% and absolute dental tipping was 2.4%. A mean change in the occlusal plane of 1.9° ± 1.1° was verified. The apical base enlargement showed a mean of 7.9 ± 1.4 mm, and the dentoalveolar arch a mean increase of 12.7 ± 2.1 mm. Within the distraction zone, a mean vertical bone loss of 3.5 ± 0.7 mm and a mean horizontal bone loss of 3.9 ± 0.8 mm were seen. After orthodontic gap closure, both were clinically irrelevant, with no need for additional bone grafts. Periodontal impairment (gingival recessions of 1 mm) was observed in 7 patients but affected only the teeth bordering the vertical osteotomy line. CONCLUSIONS: Bone-borne anterior alveolar osteodistraction is sufficient for enlargement of the apical base and the dentoalveolar arch of the mandible. Skeletal movement of the alveolar segment was predictable and dental tipping was clinically irrelevant. This technique presents further indications and approaches in orthognathic surgery.

Alveolar cleft closure by osseodistraction: pitfalls and troubleshooting.

Segmental maxillary osseodistraction is a proper method to close alveolar gaps in patients with clefts of lip, palate, and alveolus. The technique is mainly used in very wide clefts after failure of conventional bone grafting procedures. The aim of the study was to analyze problems that may occur during the distraction process. Patients with uncommon wide alveolar clefts or recurrent oronasal fistulas and patients with bilateral clefts of lip, plate, and alveolus and an additional vertical deficit of the posterior cleft segment underwent distraction procedures. The patients were subdivided according to the vector of distraction: linear (following the dental arch) and vertical. The devices for horizontal distraction were tooth-borne and manufactured to the specific clinical situation. For vertical distraction, standard devices were used. Of this sample, patients with complications occurring during or after surgery and during the distraction period were selected as the study participants. On the basis of the data collected on these complications, the need for additional bone grafting procedures was evaluated. Results suggest that modifications in preoperative planning and the construction of the distraction devices may be necessary to prevent unexpected problems in segmental maxillary distraction procedures. Considerations concerning the placement of distraction devices are discussed.

Hybrid distraction: a novel method for distraction osteogenesis of the alveolar process.

Segmental distraction osteogenesis of the anterior alveolar process is a sufficient method to enlarge the alveolar arch. Indications for this method are dental crowding, retroalveolism, and leveling of the curve of Spee. However, after the distraction period, the anterior alveolar segment often shows an unfavorable inclination resulting in nonphysiologic load on the lower incisors.The aim of this paper was to introduce a new approach in segmental distraction osteogenesis of the anterior alveolar process. This new method combines 2 different surgical techniques: a segmental osteotomy for the alveolar ridge with instant fixation in the desired position and a distraction procedure for the alveolar segment. This hybrid distraction avoids an unfavorable inclination of the lower incisors after front-block distraction procedures.

Growing skull fractures after craniosynostosis repair: risk factors and treatment algorithm.

Growing skull fractures (GSFs) are rare complications after severe head injuries in the early childhood and rarely occur after craniosynostosis repair. The aim of this study was to define an algorithm for sufficient treatment for GSF after craniofacial procedures. Literature research was performed to clarify risk factors for GSFs after cranial vault reshaping. Conclusions of the literature and experiences of the authors based on a case of GSF after craniofacial surgery were matched to establish guidelines for successful therapy.

Craniofacial landmarks in young children: how reliable are measurements based on 3-dimensional imaging?

INTRODUCTION: Different approaches for 3-dimensional (3D) data acquisition of the facial surface are common nowadays. Meticulous evaluation has proven their level of precision and accuracy. However, the question remains as to which level of craniofacial landmarks, especially in young children, are reliable if identified in 3D images. Potential sources of error, aside from the systems technology itself, need to be identified and addressed. Reliable and unreliable landmarks have to be identified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 3dMDface System was used in a clinical setting to evaluate the intraobserver repeatability of 27 craniofacial landmarks in 7 young children between 6 and 18 months of age with a total of 1134 measurements. RESULTS: The handling of the system was mostly unproblematic. The mean 3D repeatability error was 0.82 mm, with a range of 0.26 mm to 2.40 mm, depending on the landmark. Single landmarks that have been shown to be relatively imprecise in 3D analysis could still provide highly accurate data if only 1 of the 3 spatial planes was relevant. There were no statistical differences from 1 patient to another. CONCLUSIONS: Reliability in craniofacial measurements can be achieved by such 3D soft-tissue imaging techniques as the 3dMDface System, but one must always be aware that the degree of precision is strictly dependent on the landmark and axis in question.For further clinical investigations, the degree of reliability for each landmark evaluated must be addressed and taken into account.

Bilateral vertical segmental distraction in a patient with bilateral cleft of lip, alveolus, and palate.

In cases of bilateral clefts of lip and palate there is often a vertical and transversal deficit of the cleft segments. Ideally these problems can be solved orthodontically. In severe cases there is a need of surgical support. Distraction osteogenesis allows the correction of transversal, horizontal, and vertical deficits. A case of a 13-year-old girl with a bilateral cleft of lip and palate is presented. The patient had a severe deficit of the distal cleft segments concerning the vertical and transversal dimension. Osteotomy of the segments was performed and a vertical distraction followed by a transpalatal distraction procedure was used to correct the discrepancies.