Management of patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy treated with intravenous corticosteroids and/or orbital decompression surgery.

PURPOSE: To assess the characteristics and long-term outcomes of adult patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) who underwent orbital decompression surgery and/or received intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 98 eyes of 49 patients who were diagnosed and treated with bilateral DON between 2007 and 2018 at the Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Medical University of Vienna. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 4.1 ± 2.7 years. The most common presenting symptoms were eyelid and periorbital swelling (45%) representing active inflammation. Upgaze restriction was the most common clinical finding (73%). At time of diagnosis, the mean clinical activity score was 4 ± 1/4 ± 1 (right/left eye, respectively). Sixty-three percent (31/49) of the patients were treated both with IV methylprednisolone and underwent orbital decompression surgery, 22% (11/49) were treated with IV methylprednisolone alone and 14% (7/49) underwent surgical decompression only. Seventy-one percent (30/42) of the patients underwent 3-wall decompression. The mean reduction of proptosis in patients treated with both IV methylprednisolone and orbital decompression surgery was 4/5 mm. Mean of reduction in proptosis in patients receiving IV methylprednisolone only was 1/0 mm and in patients with surgical decompression only was 5/5 mm. Mean VA was 0.1 ± 0.5/0.1 ± 0.5 logMAR at baseline and 0.05 ± 0.7/0.05 ± 0.7 at final follow-up. In 92% (45/49), VA was preserved or improved at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with DON were treated both with IV corticosteroids and 3-wall decompression surgery. Vision could be successfully preserved in most cases and reduction of proptosis was achieved, especially after orbital decompression surgery.

Assessment of nasalance and nasality in patients with a repaired cleft palate.

In patients with a repaired cleft palate, nasality is typically diagnosed by speech language pathologists. In addition, there are various instruments to objectively diagnose nasalance. To explore the potential of nasalance measurements after cleft palate repair by NasalView®, we correlated perceptual nasality and instrumentally measured nasalance of eight speech items and determined the relationship between sensitivity and specificity of the nasalance measures by receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) analyses and AUC (area under the curve) computation for each single test item and specific item groups. We recruited patients with a primarily repaired cleft palate receiving speech therapy during follow-up. During a single day visit, perceptive and instrumental assessments were obtained in 36 patients and analyzed. The individual perceptual nasality was assigned to one of four categories; the corresponding instrumental nasalance measures for the eight specific speech items were expressed on a metric scale (1-100). With reference to the perceptual diagnoses, we observed 3 nasal and one oral test item with high sensitivity. However, the specificity of the nasality indicating measures was rather low. The four best speech items with the highest sensitivity provided scores ranging from 96.43 to 100%, while the averaged sensitivity of all eight items was below 90%. We conclude that perceptive evaluation of nasality remains state of the art. For clinical follow-up, instrumental nasalance assessment can objectively document subtle changes by analysis of four speech items only. Further studies are warranted to determine the applicability of instrumental nasalance measures in the clinical routine, using discriminative items only.

TrueFisp versus HASTE sequences in 3T cine MRI: Evaluation of image quality during phonation in patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the image quality of two fast dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences: True fast imaging with steady state precession (TrueFisp) was compared with half-Fourier acquired single turbo-spin-echo (HASTE) sequence for the characterization of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in repaired cleft palate patients. METHODS: Twenty-two patients (10 female and 12 male; mean age, 17.7 ± 10.6 years; range, 9-31) with suspected VPI underwent 3-T MRI using TrueFisp and HASTE sequences. Imaging was performed in the sagittal plane at rest and during phonation of "ee" and "k" to assess the velum, tongue, posterior pharyngeal wall and a potential VP closure. The results were analysed independently by one radiologist and one orthodontist. RESULTS: HASTE performed better than TrueFisp for all evaluated items, except the tongue evaluation by the orthodontist during phonation of "k" and "ee". A statistically significant difference in favour of HASTE was observed in assessing the velum at rest and during phonation of "k" and "ee", and also in assessing VP closure in both raters (p < 0.05). TrueFisp imaging was twice as fast as HASTE (0.36 vs. 0.75 s/image). CONCLUSION: Dynamic HASTE images were of superior quality to those obtained with TrueFisp, although TrueFisp imaging was twice as fast. KEY POINTS: • Dynamic MRI is an invaluable tool for diagnosing VPI. • Dynamic HASTE images were of superior quality to those obtained with TrueFisp. • TrueFisp imaging was twice as fast as HASTE imaging.

Pharyngeal Oxygen Insufflation During AirTraq Laryngoscopy Slows Arterial Desaturation in Infants and Small Children.

BACKGROUND: The extent to which insufflation of oxygen into the posterior pharynx during laryngoscopy prolongs adequate saturation in infants and small children remains unknown. Therefore, we compared oxygen saturation over time in preoxygenated small children with and without posterior pharynx oxygen insufflation. METHODS: After induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane and propofol, infants and small children were preoxygenated with 100% oxygen for 3 minutes. An AirTraq laryngoscope size 0 or 1 with an appropriately sized cuffed endotracheal tube positioned in the side channel was prepared. Oxygen tubing was connected to the endotracheal U-shaped tube. However, oxygen at a flow of 4 L/min was provided only to half of the randomly selected participating patients. The trachea was intubated, the tube cuff was inflated, and the laryngoscope was removed from the mouth. The oxygen tubing was disconnected from the endotracheal tube and left exposed to ambient air until oxygen saturation decreased to 95%. Thereafter, patients' lungs were manually ventilated with 100% oxygen until SpO2 returned to 100%. Subsequent anesthetic management was at the discretion of the attending anesthesiologist. RESULTS: Laryngoscopy took a median of 60 (Q1-Q3, 40-90) seconds. The mean time to 95% oxygen saturation was (mean ± SD) 166 ± 47 seconds in the oxygen insufflation group and 131 ± 39 seconds in small children without insufflation. Oxygen insufflation prolonged the mean time for saturation to decrease from 100% to 95% by an estimated 35 (95% confidence interval, 10-60) seconds, P = 0.01. CONCLUSIONS: Adding posterior pharyngeal oxygen insufflation to conventional preoxygenation prolonged the period of adequate oxygen saturation in infants and small children by an amount that is potentially clinically important.

Late Reconstruction of the Orbit With Patient-Specific Implants Using Computer-Aided Planning and Navigation.

PURPOSE: Reconstruction of orbital deformities is a challenging task. Virtual 3-dimensional (3D) planning and the use of patient-specific implants (PSIs) could improve anatomic and functional outcomes in the orbital region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of patients who underwent late orbital reconstruction from 2009 to 2013. To be included in the study, patients had a unilateral orbital deformity by involvement of at least 2 orbital wall defects. No orbital osteotomies could be used to correct the deformity. All patients underwent 3D virtual treatment planning. The unaffected orbit was mirrored onto the affected orbit. The PSI was fabricated according to this plan. Navigation was used to check the implant position. RESULTS: Six patients were included in this study. All patients had diplopia or motility limitations and enophthalmos. The ophthalmic parameters showed improvement in all patients. Enophthalmos was corrected adequately by the PSI. Four patients received a poly-ether-ether-ketone PSI. Two patients received a titanium mesh PSI. The position of the PSI was controlled by intraoperative navigation. Superimposition of the planned and postoperative positions of the PSI showed good correlation. CONCLUSION: PSIs placed with intraoperative navigation facilitate late or secondary correction of orbital deformities.

Functional outcome after surgical treatment of orbital floor fractures.

In the present article, the authors want to present the results of a retrospectively evaluated consecutive series of patients with surgically treated isolated orbital floor fractures (OFF; "blow-out fractures") concerning the functional outcome after OFF and give detailed recommendations based on the clinical and radiological findings. A series of 60 patients with isolated OFF over a 5-year period needing surgically repair at the same institution were evaluated. Patient data were analysed in terms of preoperative and postoperative clinical parameters and radiological findings. The analysed parameters were type of fracture, diplopia, gaze restriction, enophthalmos, materials used for repair, surgical approach and timing of the surgical intervention. Burst type fractures were more often found than punched-out fractures. The most frequently used surgical approach was a preseptal transconjunctival approach. An overall decrease of gaze restriction (93%), diplopia (89%) and enophthalmos (86%) was observed. According to the fracture size, we used Ethisorb patches in smaller fractures and resorbable or titanium meshes or autologous bone in larger fractures in most cases. Patients who underwent surgery more than 7 days after the trauma showed better results with regard to an improvement of diplopia and motility disturbances than patients who were treated immediately. In indicated cases, the surgical repair of OFF leads to very good results if the anatomical and functional properties of the orbit and its contents are respected. The applied strategy and means presented in our study proved of value and can therefore be recommended.

Single-stage bone resection and cranioplastic reconstruction: comparison of a novel software-derived PEEK workflow with the standard reconstructive method.

The combined resection of skull-infiltrating tumours and immediate cranioplastic reconstruction predominantly relies on freehand-moulded solutions. Techniques that enable this procedure to be performed easily in routine clinical practice would be useful. A cadaveric study was developed in which a new software tool was used to perform single-stage reconstructions with prefabricated implants after the resection of skull-infiltrating pathologies. A novel 3D visualization and interaction framework was developed to create 10 virtual craniotomies in five cadaveric specimens. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) implants were manufactured according to the bone defects. The image-guided craniotomy was reconstructed with PEEK and compared to polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Navigational accuracy and surgical precision were assessed. The PEEK workflow resulted in up to 10-fold shorter reconstruction times than the standard technique. Surgical precision was reflected by the mean 1.1±0.29mm distance between the virtual and real craniotomy, with submillimetre precision in 50%. Assessment of the global offset between virtual and actual craniotomy revealed an average shift of 4.5±3.6mm. The results validated the 'elective single-stage cranioplasty' technique as a state-of-the-art virtual planning method and surgical workflow. This patient-tailored workflow could significantly reduce surgical times compared to the traditional, intraoperative acrylic moulding method and may be an option for the reconstruction of bone defects in the craniofacial region.

Clinical experiences with resorbable ultrasonic-guided, angle-stable osteosynthesis in the panfacial region.

PURPOSE: In this study we report our experiences with the treatment of midfacial fractures and various other indications in regions with low load bearing (eg, dysmorphias) using the biodegradable Osteosynthesis System (SonicWeld Rx by KLS Martin, Tuttlingen, Germany), comprising biomechanical and histological aspects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-five patients were included in this study. We describe the application of this system for the treatment of fractures of the zygomamaxillary complex, frontal bone impression fractures, surgical treatment of mukocele in the frontal sinus, isolated fractures of the orbital floor, complex midfacial trauma and bone cap fixation, craniosynostoses, and fixation of a distracted bone fragment. RESULTS: The pin insertion could be finished with a total failure rate of lower than 5%. In 3 patients, soft tissue swellings in regions with less subcutaneous fat were observed 6 to 8 months postoperatively. No fracture dislocations occurred. Scanning electron micrograph of the experimentally acquired connection between the resorbable plate and 2 pins clearly demonstrates a tight and reliable fusion to bone, both at the cortical as well as at the spongy compartment. Conventional histology leads to corresponding findings as scanning electron micrography, and shows a close fusion between all components. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study shows the general feasibility, sufficient mechanical stability, and efficient intraoperative handling of this angle-stable, ultrasonic-guided resorbable Osteosynthesis System (ResorbX and SonicWeld Rx) for a wide variety of indications in craniomaxillofacial surgery.

Closure of oroantral communications with Bichat's buccal fat pad.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of the pedicled buccal fat pad for the closure of oroantral communications (OACs) and to describe our experience with this surgical procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 161 patients treated at the University Hospital for Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery in Vienna, Austria, from 2000 to 2005, with the diagnosis of an OAC was performed. All defects were closed by application of a buccal fat pad. Data were obtained from chart review, a compiled database, and clinical follow-up and included the location of the defect, the cause of the OAC, the modality of anesthesia, intraoperative complications, any complications during the process of wound healing, and any late adverse effects. RESULTS: The buccal fat pad for closure of an OAC was successfully used in 161 patients at our department. In 12 patients (7.5%), the closure of the OAC was insufficient, and a second operation was necessary. Excluding all severe and complicating cases such as tumor-related defects or previously treated cases, the overall success rate for closure of the OAC was nearly 98%. No late complications occurred, and all patients were free of pain or any limitations after the 6-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: According to the recommendations and anatomic limitations reported in published studies and discussed in the present report, the application of the buccal fat pad is a safe and reliable procedure for closing an OAC.

Accuracy of treatment planning based on stereolithography in computer assisted surgery.

Three-dimensional stereolithographic models (SL models), made of solid acrylic resin derived from computed-tomography (CT) data, are an established tool for preoperative treatment planning in numerous fields of medicine. An innovative approach, combining stereolithography with computer-assisted point-to-point navigation, can support the precise surgical realization of a plan that has been defined on an SL model preoperatively. The essential prerequisites for the application of such an approach are: (1) The accuracy of the SL models (including accuracy of the CT scan and correspondence of the model with the patient's anatomy) and (2) the registration method used for the transfer of the plan from the SL model to the patient (i.e., whether the applied registration markers can be added to the SL model corresponding to the markers at the patient with an accuracy that keeps the "cumulative error" at the end of the chain of errors, in the order of the accuracy of contemporary navigation systems). In this study, we focus on these two topics: By applying image-matching techniques, we fuse the original CT data of the patient with the corresponding CT data of the scanned SL model, and measure the deviations of defined parameter (e.g., distances between anatomical points). To evaluate the registration method used for the planning transfer, we apply a point-merge algorithm, using four marker points that should be located at exactly corresponding positions at the patient and at connective bars that are added to the surface of the SL model. Again, deviations at defined anatomical structures are measured and analyzed statistically. Our results prove sufficient correspondence of the two data sets and accuracy of the registration method for routine clinical application. The evaluation of the SL model accuracy revealed an arithmetic mean of the relative deviations from 0.8% to 5.4%, with an overall mean deviation of 2.2%. Mean deviations of the investigated anatomical structures ranged from 0.8 mm to 3.2 mm. An overall mean (comprising all structures) of 2.5 mm was found. The fiducial registration error of the point-merge algorithm ranged from 1.0 mm to 1.4 mm. The evaluated chain of errors showed a mean deviation of 2.5 mm. This study verifies that preoperative planning on SL models and intraoperative transfer of this plan with computer assisted navigation is a suitable and sufficiently reliable method for clinical applications.

Osteonecrosis of the jaws and bisphosphonate treatment in cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Osteonecrosis of the jaws is described as an intraoral complication after administration of intravenous nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates. In a retrospective study, patients with osteonecrosis of the jaws after bisphosphonate treatment were evaluated with regard to diagnostic investigations and therapeutic management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with osteonecrosis of the jaws after bisphosphonate treatment who were referred to our department between July 2004 and June 2005 were included in this study. Computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, scintigraphy, bacteriology and biopsy were used in diagnostic evaluation. All patients were treated surgically. RESULTS: The reasons for bisphosphonate treatment were multiple myeloma in 12 patients, breast cancer with bone metastasis in four patients and histiocytosis X in one patient. Five patients had received intravenous pamidronate and 12 patients zoledronic acid. The median number of treatment cycles for pamidronate was 36 times (range 4-100) in 38 months (range 4-100). Zolendric acid was given 23.5 times (range 5-39) in 26 months (range 5-39). Nine patients had a lesion in the mandible, eight in the maxilla. Clinical symptoms were exposed bone, pain and local inflammation of the mucosa. Computer tomography showed sclerotic areas in the osteonecrosis zone. The biopsy did not show a metastatic lesion. Sequestrectomy and decortication was adequate in the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates appear to be associated with the risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaws. To reduce this risk, patients should be evaluated by a dentist before beginning treatment with intravenous bisphosphonates.

Long-term success of surgery in bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJs).

OBJECTIVES: Bisphosphonates are associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw. Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) may be treated conservatively or by surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 108 patients underwent surgery and 88 patients were followed for a mean period of 337 days. Age, gender, dental procedures, underlying disease, and the role of bisphosphonate treatment in the success of surgery were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Surgical treatment improved the stage distribution from 19% stage I, 56% stage II and 25% stage III to 59% intact mucosa, 19% stage I and 13% stage II and 8% stage III. The improvement in the stage of disease achieved by surgery was statistically significant. Further relevant parameters that favor a positive outcome of surgery were the event triggering the outbreak of BRONJ (p=0.05) and the underlying disease (p=0.05). BRONJ in the maxilla necessitated repeat surgery significantly earlier than did BRONJ in the mandible (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Effective surgery might improve the outcome of BRONJ, although prevention still is the most important aspect of this condition.

The GOSLON yardstick in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate: review of a Vienna sample.

OBJECTIVE: To compare a Vienna unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patient sample with the Eurocleft samples using the GOSLON score, to determine the intra- and interrater agreement between several raters and ratings, and to establish whether training with the original GOSLON models enhances accuracy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-three plaster casts of UCLP patients born between 1970 and 1997, with an average age of 9.2 years and all treated with the same regimen, were rated according to the GOSLON score. RESULTS: Of the patients, 71.5% were ranked GOSLON 1 or 2. Only 8.9% were rated GOSLON 4 or 5. There were no significant differences between the different raters and the ratings. Training with the original GOSLON models increased kappa from 0.57 before training to 0.84 after training. CONCLUSION: The "Vienna concept" was found to be a good regimen for treating UCLP patients in regard to maxillary growth. Personal training on the original GOSLON models appears to improve the accuracy of rating.

Treatment results of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws.

BACKGROUND: Osteonecrosis of the jaws occurs after the administration of bisphosphonates. An unequivocal treatment strategy is yet to be devised. We assess the treatment of patients with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ). METHODS: The investigators studied a prospective cohort of 58 patients 6 months after surgical treatment of BRONJ. Outcome variables were the status of the mucosa, the visual analog score of pain, and prosthetic rehabilitation. Preoperative staging results were compared with the postoperative outcome and statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Of 58 patients, 41 surgically treated patients could be followed up after a mean period of 189 (+/-23) days. Twenty-four (58.5%) were free of pain and had an intact mucosa. A statistically significant improvement was registered between preoperative and postoperative staging (p <.01); 11 of 12 patients who had been treated with a flap procedure for soft tissue closure had an intact mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first prospective study to report the outcome of treatment in a cohort of patients with BRONJ. Minimal resection of necrotic bone and local soft tissue closure might be a feasible treatment strategy in patients with established BRONJ.

Point-to-point computer-assisted navigation for precise transfer of planned zygoma osteotomies from the stereolithographic model into reality.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of a new method for planning and realizing zygomatic osteotomies in cases of established post-traumatic deformities using stereolithographic (SL) models and computer assisted navigation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 5 patients, osteotomy and repositioning of the zygomatic complex was planned using SL models. The desired position of the zygoma in the patient was determined by fixing individualized osteosynthesis plates to predefined screw positions. The SL model and the patient were registered to the same 3-dimensional computed tomography data set via an occlusal reference frame on the patient and corresponding reference markers on the model. Prebent osteosynthesis plates from the surgical simulation on the model were fixed to corresponding screw positions on the patient, which were located by computer-assisted navigation. Evaluation of accuracy was performed by image fusion of postoperative computed tomography scans of the model and the patient. RESULTS: Clinical outcome was satisfactory in all cases. The evaluation by image fusion showed alignment of the patient's and the model's zygoma in 4 of 5 cases. Mean measured distance between screw positions in the models and the patients were 1.1 +/- 0.3 mm for 44 screws. In 1 patient the treatment plan was changed intraoperatively because of unforeseen soft tissue limitations. CONCLUSION: Point-to-point navigation is an accurate method to transfer the planning of a complex osteotomy from the SL model to the actual surgical procedure. Surgery is facilitated considerably because repositioning and osteosynthesis are achieved in 1 step.

Evaluation of esthetic, functional, and quality-of-life outcome in adult cleft lip and palate patients.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of esthetic, functional, and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) outcomes in adult patients with a repaired cleft lip and palate. The treatment for all patients was based on the so-called Vienna concept. PATIENTS/DESIGN: Seventy adult patients with a repaired complete cleft lip and palate, ranging in age from 18 to 30 years, were included in the study. Esthetic and functional outcomes were assessed by the patients themselves and by five experts using a visual analog scale. Patients also completed the MOS Short-Form 36 questionnaire to evaluate health-related quality of life. RESULTS: Patients rated their esthetic outcome significantly worse than the experts did. No significant differences were observed in the ratings for function. Female patients, especially, were dissatisfied with their esthetic outcomes. In a personal interview, nearly 63% of them asked for further treatment, particularly for upper-lip and nose corrections. The health-related quality-of-life questionnaire revealed low scores for only two subscales, namely social functioning and emotional role. In most subscales of health-related quality of life, patients who desired further treatment had significantly lower scores than did patients who desired no further treatment. CONCLUSION: Surgery of the lip and nose appears to be of prime importance for patients with a cleft lip and palate. Cleft patients who do not request secondary treatment are not always satisfied with the treatment. Patients with realistic expectations in regard to further treatment should be treated by specialists, whereas those with unrealistic expectations should be referred to a clinical psychologist.

Stability of biodegradable implants in treatment of mandibular fractures.

BACKGROUND: Biodegradable implants have not been used on a large scale for internal fixation of mandibular fractures because of presumed inferior mechanical properties. This prospective clinical trial was designed to elucidate the stability and biocompatibility of self-reinforced poly-L/D-lactide plates and screws used to stabilize a variety of mandible fractures by open reduction and internal fixation. METHODS: Sixty-six consecutive patients (22 female, 44 male; mean age, 23.9 years) with a total of 89 fractures at various sites of the mandible were included in the study. Stability of plates and screws and bone healing were observed by clinical and radiographic assessment. Intermaxillary fixation was applied in eight patients with concomitant condylar fractures for 2 to 3 weeks. RESULTS: The self-reinforcement technique provided sufficient mechanical stability of the implants for primary healing of these high-load mandibular bone areas. Postoperative complications were transient and limited to wound dehiscence and localized wound infection (two patients). In some patients, hypesthesia (three patients) or slight pain (10 patients) was reported at the 1-year recall examination, but implant-related serious adverse tissue reactions were not observed during the follow-up (mean, 24.4 months; range 6.4 to 44.3 months). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these preliminary results, the authors conclude that biodegradable self-reinforced implants show efficient stability during initial bone healing and promise a high potential for successful use in osteofixation of mandibular fractures.

Importance of soft tissue for skeletal stability in maxillary advancement in patients with cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of stability of the advanced maxilla after two-jaw surgery and Le Fort I osteotomy in patients with cleft palate based on soft tissue planning. SUBJECTS: Between 1995 and 1998, 15 patients with cleft lip and palate deformities underwent advancement of a retruded maxilla, without insertion of additional bone grafts. Eleven patients had bimaxillary osteotomies and four patients only a Le Fort I osteotomy. Relapse of the maxilla in horizontal and vertical dimensions was evaluated by cephalometric analysis after a clinical follow-up of at least 2 years. RESULTS: In the bimaxillary osteotomies, horizontal advancement was an average 4 mm at point A. After 2 years, there was an additional advancement of point A of an average of 0.7 mm. In the mandible, a relapse of 0.8 mm was seen after an average setback of 3.9 mm. In the four patients with Le Fort I osteotomy, point A was advanced by 3.8 mm and the relapse after 2 years was 0.9 mm. Vertical elongation at point A resulted in relapse in both groups. Impaction of the maxilla led to further impaction as well. CONCLUSION: Cephalometric soft tissue analysis demonstrates the need for a two-jaw surgery, not only in severe maxillary hypoplasia. Alteration of soft tissue to functional harmony and three-dimensional correction of the maxillomandibular complex are easier to perform in a two-jaw procedure. It results in a more stable horizontal skeletal position of the maxilla.