Retrospective study maxillofacial fractures epidemiology and treatment plans in Southeast of Iran

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of facial injuries varies in different countries and geographic zones. Population concentration, lifestyle, cultural background, and socioeconomic status can affect the prevalence of maxillofacial injuries. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the maxillofacial fractures epidemiology and treatment plans in hospitalized patients (2012-2014) which would be useful for better policy making strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, the medical records of 386 hospitalized patients were evaluated from the department of maxillofacial surgery at Bahonar Hospital of Kerman, Iran. The type and cause of fractures and treatment plans were recorded in a checklist. For data analysis, ANOVA, t-test, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact test were performed, using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: The majority of patients were male (76.5%). Most subjects were within the age range of 20-30 years. Fractures were mostly caused by accidents, particularly motorcycle accidents (MCAs), and the most common site of involvement was the mandible (parasymphysis). There was a significant association between the type of treatment and age. In fact, the age group of 16-59 years under went open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) more than other age groups (P=0.02). Also, a significant association was observed between gender and the occurrence of fractures (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the geographic and cultural indices of the evaluated population, it can be concluded that patients age and gender and trauma causes significantly affect the prevalence of maxillofacial traumas and fracture kinds and treatment plans

Le Fort III distraction osteogenesis versus conventional Le Fort III osteotomy in correction of syndromic midfacial hypoplasia: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: It has been debated whether the Le Fort III procedure using distraction osteogenesis (LFIII-DO) reduces the risk of postintervention relapse compared with conventional Le Fort III (LFIII) osteotomy in the correction of syndromic midfacial hypoplasia. Our objective was to evaluate the short- and long-term stability of the bony structures after midfacial advancement using conventional LFIII osteotomy versus LFIII-DO in patients with syndromic midfacial hypoplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the published data. An electronic search of 10 databases was performed from their inception through June 2012. The reference lists of the relevant publications were also reviewed. Studies were considered for inclusion if they were longitudinal clinical studies with follow-up periods of at least 1 year after surgery (LFIII group) or at the end of the consolidation period (LFIII-DO group). Study selection, risk of bias assessment, and data extraction were performed in duplicate. The methodologic and clinical heterogeneity across the studies precluded combining the findings using meta-analyses. RESULTS: A total of 57 reports met the initial search criteria, and 12 reports were finally selected. The studies demonstrated a mean midfacial advancement of 8 to 12 mm in the LFIII group and 9 to 16 mm in the LFIII-DO group. For the LFIII group, horizontal short-term follow-up showed a maximal rate of relapse of 8.7 to 11.9% in 2 studies, with 1 study demonstrating a far more severe rate of maximal relapse of 50%. For the LFIII-DO procedure, the horizontal short-term relapse rate was 14.4% in 1 study, with the remainder demonstrating a rate of relapse of less than 10%. Moreover, 3 studies even showed additional advancement without any rate of relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence suggests that conventional LFIII and LFIII-DO techniques can effectively advance the midface forward in patients with syndromic midfacial hypoplasia and have good to excellent stability, with a mild rate of relapse. However, the LFIII-DO technique appears to achieve a greater amount of advancement with a lower rate of relapse compared with the conventional LFIII technique.

Le Fort IV + I distraction osteogenesis using an internal device for syndromic craniosynostosis.

Monobloc and Le Fort III distractions can improve midfacial hypoplasia, a characteristic feature of syndromic craniosynostosis. The purpose of treating midfacial hypoplasia is to improve exophthalmos and dental occlusion. Typically, in Le Fort III or monobloc distractions, the midface is mobilized en bloc, and the extent and direction of the mobilization is determined according to the preferred intermaxillary occlusion. However, to obtain the preferred functional and esthetic results while correcting midface hypoplasia, the most sensible approach is the use of different degrees of mobilization and vectors for the upper and lower halves of the midface. This report describes the case of an adolescent with Crouzon syndrome showing frontal recession exophthalmos and an anterior crossbite. His condition was treated with monobloc minus Le Fort I and Le Fort I distraction using only internal devices, which the authors have designated Le Fort IV plus I distraction.

Factors predictive of pterygoid process fractures after pterygomaxillary separation without using an osteotome in Le Fort I osteotomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study demonstrated pterygomaxillary disjunction patterns and elucidated factors related to unfavorable pterygomaxillary junction fractures in Le Fort I osteotomy without using an osteotome. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical and anatomical data obtained from computed tomography images (100 sides) were analyzed for their ability to predict patterns of pterygomaxillary disjunction. RESULTS: Separation of the pterygomaxillary junction was most frequently performed at the maxillary tuberosity (48.0%). Twenty-eight pterygoid plates were fractured. Male gender, increased age, thickness of the pterygomaxillary junction, and length of the maxillary tuberosity were significant risk factors for pterygoid process fractures. We also identified that a pterygomaxillary junction thickness less than 2.6 mm and a maxillary tuberosity length of more than 11.5 mm indicated a statistically significant risk of pterygoid process fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Prediction of frangible pterygoid plates by preoperative quantitative evaluation of morphometric values provides useful information for selecting safe procedures.

Orbital change following Le Fort III advancement in syndromic craniosynostosis: quantitative evaluation of orbital volume, infra-orbital rim and globe position.

Patients with syndromic craniosynostosis suffering from shallow orbits due to midface hypoplasia can be treated with a Le Fort III advancement osteotomy. This study evaluates the influence of Le Fort III advancement on orbital volume, position of the infra-orbital rim and globe. In pre- and post-operative CT-scans of 18 syndromic craniosynostosis patients, segmentation of the left and right orbit was performed and the infra-orbital rim and globe were marked. By superimposing the pre- and post-operative scans and by creating a reference coordinate system, movements of the infra-orbital rim and globe were assessed. Orbital volume increased significantly, by 27.2% for the left and 28.4% for the right orbit. Significant anterior movements of the left infra-orbital rim of 12.0mm (SD 4.2) and right infra-orbital rim of 12.8mm (SD 4.9) were demonstrated. Significant medial movements of 1.7mm (SD 2.2) of the left globe and 1.5mm (SD 1.9) of the right globe were demonstrated. There was a significant correlation between anterior infra-orbital rim movement and the increase in orbital volume. Significant orbital volume increase has been demonstrated following Le Fort III advancement. The position of the infra-orbital rim was moved forward significantly, whereas the globe position remained relatively unaffected.

Upper airway changes in syndromic craniosynostosis patients following midface or monobloc advancement: correlation between volume changes and respiratory outcome.

In syndromic craniosynostosis patients, respiratory insufficiency may be a pressing indication to surgically increase the patency of the upper airway by midface or monobloc advancement. In this study the volume changes of the upper airway and the respiratory outcome following midface (Le Fort I or III) or monobloc advancement in ten syndromic craniosynostosis patients are evaluated. Pre- and postoperatively, the airway volume was measured using a semi-automatic region growing method. Respiratory data were correlated to the volume measurements. In nine patients the outcome of upper airway volume measurements correlated well to the respiratory outcome. Three of these patients showed a minimal airway volume gain or even volume loss, and no respiratory improvement was found. In one monobloc patient improvement of the respiratory outcome without an evident volume gain of the upper airway was found. The majority of patients with Le Fort III advancement showed respiratory improvement, which for the greater part correlated to the results of the volume analysis. In monobloc patients the respiratory outcomes and volume measurements were less obvious. Preoperative endoscopy of the upper airway is advocated to identify the level of obstruction in patients with residual obstructive sleep apnoea.

Additional orthognathic surgery following Le Fort III and monobloc advancement.

Severe midface hypoplasia in patients with various craniofacial anomalies can be corrected with Le Fort III or monobloc advancement. Often additional corrective orthognathic surgery is indicated to achieve Class I occlusion and a normal inter-jaw relationship. This study evaluated the incidence of, and the surgical indications for, secondary orthognathic surgery following Le Fort III/monobloc advancement. The total study group consisted of 41 patients: 36 patients with Le Fort III advancement and 5 patients with monobloc advancement. Seven patients underwent additional orthognathic surgery. Of the resulting 18 non-operated patients older than 18 years at the end of follow-up, Class I occlusion was observed in 11 patients. In the remaining patients malocclusions were dentally compensated with orthodontic treatment. None of the patients was scheduled for additional orthognathic surgery due to the absence of functional complaints and/or resistance to additional surgery. Le Fort III and monobloc advancement aim to correct skeletal deformities on the level of zygoma, orbits, nasal area and forehead, but Class I occlusion is frequently not achieved. Additional orthognathic surgery is often indicated in patients undergoing Le Fort III or monobloc advancement. Naso-endoscopic analysis of the upper airway and the outcomes of sleep studies may influence the orthognathic treatment plan.

Surgical complications of segmental Le Fort I osteotomy.

Segmental maxillary osteotomy is a useful adjunct in orthognathic surgery for the correction of vertical and transverse maxillary deformities, but we know of few published reports that document complications. We evaluated the complication rates associated with segmental maxillary surgery in our unit by retrospective review of medical records, radiographs, and study models of 85 consecutive patients (mean age 23.3 years, range 14-51; male:female ratio 1:2) treated from 1995 to 2009. Types of deformity were anterior open bite (n=30, 35%), transverse maxillary deficiency (n=24, 28%), anterior open bite with transverse maxillary deficiency (n=28, 33%), and anterior vertical maxillary excess (n=3, 4%). There were 70 tripartite (82%), 13 bipartite (15%), and two quadripartite (2%) maxillas. Twenty-one patients (25%) had bone grafts. Fixation was done using titanium miniplates in 80 patients (94%), and titanium miniplates and resorbable plates in five (6%). The overall complication rate was 27%. Three patients (4%) had devitalisation of teeth, three (4%) developed minor periodontal defects, and one had tooth loss. Eight patients (9%) had plates removed, and two patients developed persistent postoperative palatal fistula. There was no segmental loss of bone or teeth. Our results show that complications in this cohort were relatively low, and that segmental maxillary surgery is safe as an adjunct in carefully selected cases.

Classification of midpalatal suture opening after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion using computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to classify the opening of the midpalatal suture (MPS) after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) with disjunction of the pterygomaxillary suture through computed tomography (CT) analysis. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy adults with bilateral transverse deficiency of the maxilla underwent SARME with pterygomaxillary disjunction. Seventy tomographies were performed before the surgery and 70 were performed after the final activation. The Hass appliance was used in 29 patients and Hyrax in 41 patients. The MPS opening was classified into 2 types: type I, total MPS opening from the anterior nasal spine to the posterior nasal spine, and type II, total MPS opening from the anterior nasal spine to the transverse palatine suture, with partial or nonexistent opening posterior to transverse palatine suture. RESULTS: Type I opening was observed in 22 patients (31.5%), and type II opening in 48 patients (68.5%). In 5 cases, the opening posterior to the transverse palatine suture was paramedian. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography allows the evaluation and classification of midpalatal suture openings after SARME with pterygomaxillary disjunction in type I (total) and type II (partial) MPS openings.

The influence of expansion on intraoperative bone blood flow in multisegmental maxillary osteotomies: an experimental study.

The aim of the presented study was to investigate the effect of maxillary expansion in multisegmental Le Fort I osteotomies on bone blood flow. Five sheep underwent a three-piece total maxillary osteotomy. Bone blood flow was measured intraoperatively by laser Doppler flowmetry in the premaxilla, the lateral segments and the mandible before osteotomy, after osteotomy and segmentation as well as after 4mm, 8mm and 12mm expansion with a Hyrax screw. A significant reduction in blood flow was seen after osteotomy and segmentation with a factor of 3.10 and between 4mm and 8mm expansion with a factor of 1.81. No significant differences could be found between 0mm and 4mm widening or between 8mm and 12mm widening. These results suggest that expansion of more than 4mm in multisegmental osteotomies enhances the risk of avascular sequelae. As greater maxillary widening has been carried out in many cases without avascular complications, further research on additional factors, influencing the recovery of perfusion, is needed.

Speech outcome and velopharyngeal function in cleft palate: comparison of Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy and distraction osteogenesis--early results.

OBJECTIVE: To compare speech outcome and velopharyngeal (VP) status of subjects with repaired cleft palate who underwent either conventional Le Fort I osteotomy or maxillary distraction osteogenesis to correct maxillary hypoplasia. DESIGN: Prospective randomized study with blind assessment of speech outcome and VP status. SUBJECTS: Twenty-two subjects were randomized into conventional Le Fort I osteotomy and Le Fort I distraction groups. All were native Chinese (Cantonese) speakers. METHOD: Perceptual judgment of resonance and nasal emission, study of VP structures by nasoendoscopy, and instrumental measurement by nasometry. Assessments were performed preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessment of VP closure, perceptual rating of hypernasality and nasal emission, nasalance, and amount of maxillary advancement. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in any of the outcome measures between the 10 subjects with conventional Le Fort I osteotomy and the 12 subjects with maxillary distraction: hypernasality (chi-square = 3.850, p = 0.221), nasal emission (chi-square = 0.687, p = 0.774), VP gap size (chi-square = 1.527, p = 0.635, and nasalance (t = -0.145, p = 0.886). There was no correlation between amount of maxillary advancement and any of the outcome measures (p = .05 for all). Changes in VP gap size and resonance are described. CONCLUSION: Results need to be interpreted with caution because of the small sample size and early follow-up. However, this study utilized an assessment protocol involving a variety of outcome measures and careful consideration of reliability factors, which can be a model for further and follow-up studies.

Postoperative skeletal stability following clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation of the maxillomandibular complex compared to conventional orthognathic treatment.

Rotation of the maxillomandibular complex (MMC) and the consequent alteration of the occlusal plane (OP) angulation is a well documented orthognathic surgical design. This study presents a comparison of the long-term postoperative skeletal stability following clockwise rotation (CR), and counter-clockwise rotation (CCR) of the MMC with the skeletal stability of patients treated according to conventional treatment planning principles. The long-term postoperative skeletal stability of the (CR) group and the (CCR) group of patients were found to compare favorably with the group of patients treated by conventional treatment (CT) planning. The long-term postoperative stability of all three groups also compared well with skeletal stability reported in the literature following double jaw surgery.

Respiratory outcome of midface advancement with distraction: a comparison between Le Fort III and frontofacial monobloc.

Upper airway stenosis in patients with faciocraniosynostosis is very common and often severe. Midface advancement, either with a Le Fort III or concomitantly to a monobloc frontofacial advancement, may prevent a tracheotomy or result in its ablation. The amelioration of respiratory function appears to be much better if the midface advancement is combined with distraction osteogenesis, although large studies with long-term follow-up are rare. In this study, we reviewed the respiratory outcome between Le Fort III with distraction and monobloc advancement with distraction in 54 faciocraniosynostotic patients. Early respiratory results of both procedures were very good and stable at long-term follow-up. The choice between a Le Fort III and a monobloc procedure is made on the basis of presenting morphology, previous surgery, and age. Both can be expected to give a long-lasting improvement of upper airway obstruction.

A meta-analysis of cleft maxillary osteotomy and distraction osteogenesis.

This meta-analysis aims to provide evidence-based data to assist surgeons to make an informed choice between distraction osteogenesis or conventional osteotomy for cleft lip and palate patients. A PUBMED search of the National Library of Medicine from 1966 to December 2003 was conducted. Keywords used in the search were 'cleft', 'distraction', 'maxilla', 'maxillary', 'advancement', 'osteotomy', and 'orthognathic surgery'. This study concluded that distraction osteogenesis tends to be preferred to conventional osteotomy for younger CLP patients with more severe deformities. In such cases it was feasible to use distraction to correct moderate to large movement of the maxilla by either complete or incomplete Le Fort I osteotomy, and a concurrent mandibular osteotomy was less frequently required. Intra-operative and post-operative complications were uncommon with either technique, and some of the traditional ischemic complications related to conventional osteotomy were replaced by infection of the oral mucosa due to the prolonged retention of the distractors. There is still no conclusive data on any differences in surgical relapse, velopharyngeal function and speech between the two techniques. Both distraction osteogenesis and conventional osteotomy can deliver a marked improvement in facial aesthetics.

Combined push-pull distraction for correction of syndromic midfacial hypoplasia.

PURPOSE: Gradual midfacial advancement, applying the principle of distraction osteogenesis, reduces the restriction of the soft tissues and results in bony consolidation without need for grafting. The midface can be distracted by either pushing it forward, using semiburied devices, or pulling it forward by a rigid external device. For each method there are inherent technical problems, such as controlling the vector of movement, symmetry of advancement, and differential movement of the upper/lower face. We have used a combination of the 2 methods, called "push-pull," in an effort to control the distraction process. The purpose of this paper is to describe our push-pull distraction technique and summarize our early experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients (5 males and 5 females) with a mean age of 11 years 2 months underwent midfacial advancement using push-pull distraction. Two orthodontists, blinded for landmark identification, traced preoperative and postoperative cephalograms and determined linear and angular measurements of midfacial position. A Student t test was used to assess differences between the cephalometric measures on the 2 radiographs. Interexaminer reliability was calculated by an intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Postdistraction cephalograms were taken a mean of 10 months (range, 3 to 20 months) after removal of the devices. Patients exhibited improvement at all levels of the midface after distraction. There was a statistically significant sagittal advancement from the infraorbital rim to dentoalveolus. The central midface was sufficiently advanced as shown by an improved convexity, nasolabial angle, and upper labial protrusion. There were no significant differences between examiners for any of the measurements in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Push-pull distraction permits 1) equal movement at both the upper and lower facial levels, 2) advancement of the central midface, and 3) symmetric movement of the zygomaticomaxillary complexes. This method also provides a backup, in case one device malfunctions. In combination, the advantages of each device are additive; whereas the weaknesses are not. The push-pull technique is a practical method for midfacial distraction until a better single device is fabricated.

Maxillary stability following Le Fort I osteotomy in combination with sagittal split ramus osteotomy and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy: a comparative study between titanium miniplate and poly-L-lactic acid plate.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare changes in maxillary stability after Le Fort I osteotomy with titanium miniplate and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) plate (Fixsorb-MX; Takiron Co, Osaka, Japan). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The subjects were composed of 47 Japanese patients with diagnosed jaw deformity: 24 underwent Le Fort I osteotomy and sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO); and 23 underwent Le Fort I osteotomy intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy without internal fixation. Each group was divided into titanium plate and PLLA plate groups. Time course changes between plate groups were compared using lateral and posteroanterior cephalography. RESULTS: Significant differences were identified between titanium plate and PLLA plate groups in A point after Le Fort I osteotomy and SSRO (P < .05). Significant differences existed between titanium plate and PLLA plate groups in vertical component of posterior nasal spine after Le Fort I osteotomy in both combinations with SSRO and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (P < .05). However, no significant differences were identified in measurements on posteroanterior cephalography. CONCLUSION: These results suggest a slight tendency for vertical impaction after Le Fort I osteotomy both in combination with SSRO and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy with PLLA plates, although differences in time course changes were not clinically apparent, and normal occlusion was established in all patients.

The assessment of blood loss in orthognathic surgery for prognathia.

PURPOSE: It is difficult to predict the need for blood transfusion during orthognathic surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences between patients who underwent different orthognathic procedures, and to assess the need for transfusion in orthognathic surgery. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We examined 62 prognathic patients who underwent orthognathic surgery in our hospital. The subjects were divided into 4 groups according to procedure. Pre- and postoperative values of blood parameters were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: A greater amount of blood was lost in the double-jaw surgeries than in the single-jaw surgeries. There was a significant difference between sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) combined with Le Fort I osteotomy and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) ( P < .05). However, none of the patients required transfusion intraoperatively. In all groups except the IVRO group, there were significant differences in red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit between preoperative values and 1 week postoperative values ( P < .05). Although the values of red blood cell, hemoglobin, and hematocrit tended to decrease until 2 weeks postoperative, no complications occurred. Simple regression analysis showed significant positive correlation between duration of operation and blood loss ( P < .05). CONCLUSION: The present results indicate that there is little risk of marked bleeding in routine procedures, and that IVRO causes minimal bleeding. Transfusion was not necessary in IVRO or SSRO with or without Le Fort I osteotomy.

Soft and hard tissue changes after bimaxillary surgery in Chinese Class III patients.

Cephalometric studies have shown that the Chinese race tends to have a greater preponderance of skeletal Class III malocclusion. It has also been reported that the soft tissue response to hard tissue movement varies among racial types. The aims of this retrospective cephalometric study were to assess the results of bimaxillary surgery on Chinese subjects presenting with Class III malocclusions and to evaluate the correlation between soft and hard tissue change. The sample consisted of 34 Chinese patients treated with bilateral sagittal split osteotomy and Le Fort I advancement. Lateral cephalograms were taken immediately before surgery and at least six months after surgery. Soft and hard tissue changes were recorded by computer-supported measurements of presurgical and postsurgical lateral cephalograms. Linear regression procedures were used to assess the degree of correlation in terms of soft to hard tissue changes between the two cephalograms. The results showed that there was normalization of the cephalometric variables after surgery. Mandibular soft and hard tissue movements showed a strong correlation in the horizontal direction and a moderate correlation in the vertical direction. Maxillary soft and hard tissue movement showed a moderate to weak correlation in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The ratios of soft to hard tissue movements derived from this study would contribute to the database for planning prediction.

Prototype testing for a new bioabsorbable Le Fort III distraction device: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to design and test prototypes for a new, internal resorbable Le Fort III distractor in the minipig model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Le Fort III osteotomies were performed on 3 juvenile minipigs, followed by implantation of the bioabsorbable distractors. After a 5-day latency period, the distraction progressed at a rate of 1 mm/day in 2 equal increments for 12 days. This was followed by a 6-week consolidation phase. Cephalometric radiographs were taken postoperatively, on completion of distraction and after the consolidation phase, to evaluate the amount of distraction that was obtained. Necropsy was performed at the completion of each experiment. RESULTS: The first minipig was sacrificed at the end of the distraction period because of device failure. On necropsy, it was noted that the anterior footplate on either side had failed. The second minipig was sacrificed during the latency period because of severe pneumonia. On necropsy, it was noted that none of the footplates had failed but that the distraction barrels on either side had become dislodged from the anterior bioabsorbable footplates. The third minipig was sacrificed at the end of the distraction period because of device failure. On necropsy, it was noted that the posterior bioabsorbable footplates on either side were fractured across the posterior screw lines. CONCLUSIONS: The bioabsorbable devices evaluated in this study could not withstand the forces generated during distraction osteogenesis in the minipig model. Experience with the prototypes may help in designing internal bioresorbable Le Fort III distraction devices.

Maxillary distraction resulting in facial advancement at Le Fort III level in cleft lip and palate patients: a report of two cases.

An 18-year-old female and a 14-year-old male who had previously received surgery for primary repair of a nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (including alveolar defect bone grafting) unintentionally developed facial advancement at the Le Fort III level after surgical correction of their maxillary hypoplasia. The Le Fort I osteotomy, originally performed for their maxillary dentoalveolar hypoplasia, was an incomplete osteotomy. It was performed without down-fracture, leaving the pterygomaxillary and septal junctions intact. The gradual advancement of the maxilla during distraction osteogenesis was planned to correct the hypoplastic maxilla, and also prevent subsequent hypernasality; however, during the distraction procedure by means of a rigid external device both patients developed an unintentional facial advancement at the Le Fort III level.