Stability between single and segmental maxillary osteotomies in bimaxillary surgery for cleft-associated class III deformity: a CBCT study.

OBJECTIVE: Segmental Le Fort I osteotomy through the cleft is a common strategy to narrow the alveolar cleft in adults. This study compared skeletal stability between single and segmental Le Fort I osteotomies in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis examined 45 adults with complete UCLP-associated class III deformities who underwent bimaxillary surgery with either single (n = 30) or segmental (n = 15) Le Fort I advancement. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of the facial skeleton were acquired before surgery, 1-week postsurgery, and at follow-up. Measures of landmarks from the CBCT images for the two treatment groups were compared for translation (left/right, posterior/anterior, superior/inferior) and rotation (yaw, roll, pitch). RESULTS: Postsurgery, the downward movement of the maxilla was larger in the segmental group than the single group. At follow-up, the maxilla moved backward in both groups, and upward in the segmental group. The mandible moved forward and upward and rotated upward in both groups. The amount of upward movement and rotation was larger in the segmental group than the single group. CONCLUSIONS: Two years after bimaxillary surgery in patients with UCLP-associated class III deformity, greater relapse was found after segmental Le Fort I osteotomies in vertical translation of the maxilla and mandible, and pitch rotation of the mandible compared with single Le Fort I osteotomies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The vertical relapse of the maxilla was larger after segmental Le Fort I advancement compared with single Le Fort I advancement in clefts.

Comparison of Skeletal Stability after Le Fort I Osteotomy With Bone Fixation Using Biodegradable and Titanium Systems: A Retrospective Study.

The titanium osteosynthesis system used for fixing bone segments after maxillary osteotomy provides reliable outcomes owing to its biocompatibility and adequate strength. In addition, several studies have evaluated the skeletal stability after maxillary osteotomy with fixation using a biodegradable system. However, the indications for applying a biodegradable system after maxillary osteotomy remain controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the long-term skeletal stability of bone segments after maxillary osteotomy with bone fixation using biodegradable and titanium osteosynthesis systems and to assess the usefulness of a biodegradable osteosynthesis system. Patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy of the maxilla to correct jaw deformities between April 2008 and March 2021 were included in this study. A total of 45 patients were included, with 28 in the biodegradable osteosynthesis system group and 17 in the titanium group. Cephalometric and computed tomography analyses were performed to evaluate the skeletal stability of the bone segments after maxillary osteotomy with bone fixation using biodegradable or titanium osteosynthesis systems. The maxillary segment was repositioned anteriorly with a clockwise rotation. Skeletal stability was similar between the biodegradable and titanium osteosynthesis systems. Segmental changes occurred mainly in the first 6 months after surgery, and the segment was completely stable between 6 and 12 months after surgery. This study revealed no significant differences in skeletal stability after maxillary osteotomy between the biodegradable and titanium osteosynthesis systems. However, the findings in this study should be interpreted with caution owing to the small sample size and small amount of maxillary-segment movement.

Morphological Changes in Total and Inferior Part of Maxillary Sinus After Le Fort I Osteotomy, as Determined by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

To investigate morphological changes of the total and inferior part of the maxillary sinus following Le Fort I osteotomy. 21 skeletal class II and 49 skeletal III patients who underwent orthognathic surgery were enrolled in this retrospective study. Cone-beam computed tomography taken before (T1) and 6 to 24 months after (T2) orthognathic surgery were imported into Mimics 20.0 software to analyze morphological changes of the total and inferior part of the maxillary sinus. Volume of the whole maxillary sinus was significantly reduced after surgery ( P ≤0.008), while the volume of the inferior part of the maxillary sinus was significantly greater than before surgery ( P ≤0.004). Maxillary sinus floor moved occlusally after Le Fort I osteotomy. Movement in the pitch direction of the posterior maxilla affected the state of the maxillary sinus mucosa after orthognathic surgery. Le Fort I osteotomy exerts a significant impact on the morphology of the total and inferior part of the maxillary sinus.

Association Between Maxillary Segmentation and Perioperative Complications in Le Fort I Osteotomy.

The Le Fort I osteotomy is used to reposition the maxilla to correct numerous maxillofacial and occlusal deformities. The aim of this study was to delineate perioperative complication rates associated with Le Fort I osteotomy and determine whether the number of maxillary segments or bone grafting yielded increased complication rates. Patients undergoing Le Fort I osteotomy from 2012 to 2019 were identified from the multi-institution "National Surgical Quality Improvement Program" database using Current Procedure Terminology codes. The predictor variables of interest included maxillary segmentation defined as 1, 2, or 2 pieces and the presence or absence of bone graft. Perioperative complications were collected as the primary outcome variable, including superficial and deep space infections, wound dehiscence, airway complication, peripheral nerve injury, and hemorrhage. The secondary outcome variables included readmission and reoperation rate within the 30-day postoperative period. Complication rates were compared using multivariate analysis across groups stratified by the number of maxillary segments and inclusion of bone grafting. Of the 532 patients that met the inclusion criteria, 333 (63%) underwent 1-piece, 114 (21%) 2-piece, and 85 (16%) 2-piece Le Fort I osteotomy procedures. A total of 48 patients exhibited complications (9%), with hemorrhage (2.3%) being the most common complication observed. The number of maxillary segments was not a significant predictor of perioperative complications ( P = 0.948) nor was the use of bone grafting ( P = 0.279).

Distribution of orthognathic surgery among the Swedish population: a retrospective register-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to provide a nationally representative assessment of orthognathic procedures performed in hospitalised patients in Sweden and study regional differences in prevalence, demographic parameters and hospitalisation time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare's register, all the patients undergoing orthognathic surgery between 2010 and 2014 were identified. Outcome variables were categorised into: (1) Surgical methods and regional distribution (2) Demographic variations (3) Hospitalisation time. RESULTS: The population-prevalence-rate of orthognathic procedures over the 5-year period was 6.3 (SD 0.4) per 100,000 persons, a regional difference in the prevalence was found. Most common were Le Fort I osteotomies (43.4%) and bilateral sagittal split osteotomies (41.6%), 39% of the patients had bimaxillary surgery. The majority of the surgery was performed in the age group 19-29 (68.8%). The mean hospital stay was 2.2 days (SD = 0.9, range 1.7-3.4). A significant regional difference (p ≤ 0.001) was found in hospitalisation time for single-jaw versus bimaxillary surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Regional differences in the distribution of orthognathic surgery and demographic variations were found in Sweden in 2010-2014. The underlying causes of variations are still unknown and request further investigation.

A Modified Procedure for Anterior Maxillary Osteotomy.

ABSTRACT: Anterior maxillary osteotomy is a traditional operation in the treatment of maxillary protrusion. Varies fields about operation have been changed or improved in those years to avoid different kinds of complications. In our study, the authors would present 1 kind of improved anterior maxillary osteotomy surgical method. The study was conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong province. Patients are divided into improved group and general group. Patients after surgery were claimed to have regular return visits. Occlusion, tooth vitalities, postoperative complications would be well evaluated. The operative time, blood losses, complications showed no different at maxillary operation. Our procedure could give much better and direct sight of anterior maxillary bone, and the simplified osteotomy lines could help maxilla move, reduce the times spent on hard tissue cut off or grind. The modified procedure can meet clinical command, improve dentofacial deformities, and gives convenience to surgeon.

Extended Maxillary Osteotomy Guide: A Design That Allows Manipulation of the Osteotomy Direction on the Posterior and Inner Walls of the Maxilla.

PURPOSE: Design an extended osteotomy guide (EOG) for Le Fort I osteotomy to improve the safety of surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The digital Le Fort I osteotomy guide was designed in MIMICS 23.0. Twenty-eight patients were randomized into 2 groups. Patients in the experimental group used EOG, and patients in the control group used a traditional osteotomy guide (TOG). Virtual designs and actual postoperative outcomes were compared by cone-beam computed tomography. The safety of the operation was confirmed by the accuracy of the osteotomy direction and depth on the inner and posterior walls of the maxilla. RESULTS: All positioning deviations of both osteotomy guides were <0.3 mm (P>0.05). The osteotomy depths on the inner and posterior walls with the EOG and TOG deviated by 0.789±1.179 and 1.811±1.345 mm (P=0.004) and 0.648±0.999 and 1.262±0.942 mm (P=0.030), respectively. The angles of deviation of the osteotomy direction on the inner and posterior walls by the EOG and TOG were 2.025±2.434 and 5.069±2.391 degrees (P<0.001) and 2.772±2.979 and 8.653±4.690 degrees (P<0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The EOG was more accurate than TOG for manipulating osteotomy direction and depth on the inner and posterior maxillary walls. Thus, EOG could ensure higher surgical safety than TOG.

The Impact of Maxillary Osteotomy on Fricatives in Cleft Lip and Palate: A Perceptual Speech and Acoustic Study.

INTRODUCTION: Abnormal facial growth is a recognized outcome in cleft lip and palate (CLP), resulting in a concave profile and a class III occlusal status. Maxillary osteotomy (MO) is undertaken to correct this facial deformity, and the surgery can impact speech articulation, although the evidence remains limited and ill-defined for the CLP population. AIMS: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of MO on the production of the fricatives /f/ and /s/, using perceptual and acoustic analyses, and to explore the nature of speech changes. METHODS: Twenty participants with CLP were seen 0-3 months pre-operatively (T1) and 3 months (T2) and 12 months (T3) after MO. A normal group (N = 20) was similarly recruited. Perceptual speech data was collected according to a validated framework and ratings made on audio and audio-video recordings (VIDRat). Spectral moments were centre of gravity (CG), standard deviation (SD), skewness (SK) and kurtosis (KU). Reliability studies were carried out for all speech analyses. RESULTS: For the CLP group, VIDRat identified dentalization/interdentalization as the main type of pre-operative error for /s/ with a statistically significant improvement over time, χ2(2) = 6.889, p = 0.032. Effect sizes were medium between T1 and T3 (d = 0.631) and small between T2 and T3 (d = 0.194). For the acoustic data, effect sizes were similarly medium between T1 and T2 (e.g., SK, /f/ d = 0.579, /s/ d = 0.642) and small between T1 and T3 across all acoustic parameters. Independent t tests showed mainly statistically significant differences between both groups at all time points with large effect sizes (e.g., T2 CG, t = -4.571, p < 0.001, d =1.581), indicating that /s/ was not normalized post-operatively. For /f/, differences tended to be at T1 with large effect sizes (e.g., CG, t = -2.307, p = 0.028, d = 0.797), reflecting normalization. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This is the first speech acoustic study on /f/ for individuals with CLP undergoing MO. The surgery has a positive impact on /f/ and /s/, which appear to stabilize 3 months post-operatively. Speech changes are an automatic and a direct consequence of the physical changes brought about by MO, effecting articulatory re-organization. The results of the study have direct clinical implications for the clinical care pathway for patients with CLP undergoing MO.

Complications Following One-Stage Versus Two-Stage Surgical Treatment of Transverse Maxillary Hypoplasia.

PURPOSE: Contemporary literature suggests a similar transverse stability of a surgical-assisted rapid palatal expansion and a segmented Le Fort I osteotomy. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative complications of 1-stage (segmental maxillary osteotomy) and 2-stage (surgical-assisted rapid palatal expansion followed by Le Fort I osteotomy) treated patients to determine the preferred treatment strategy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 74 consecutive patients (age range: 14 - 57 years; 36 males, 38 females) with a moderate transverse maxillary hypoplasia: 32 patients were treated in a 1-stage protocol and 42 in a 2-stage protocol with a postoperative follow-up of at least 1 year. Dental complications such as loss of teeth, gingival dehiscence, periodontal bone loss, apical root resorption, and surgical complications such as pain, hemorrhage, altered neurosensitivity, wound infection, aseptic necrosis were analyzed. Univariate analysis consisted of a generalized linear model with logit link or Fisher exact test. RESULTS: No significant difference was found for group characteristics except for longer orthodontic treatment time in the 2-stage group. Incidence and severity of complications were comparable for the 1-stage and 2-stage patients. Only overall pain was significantly greater in the 2-stage patient group (P = .038). CONCLUSIONS: Considering a similar complication rate and transversal stability, the choice between 1-stage and 2-stage approach for patients with a moderate transverse maxillary hypoplasia should be patient specific.

Are Vowels Normalized After Maxillary Osteotomy? An Acoustic Study in Cleft Lip and Palate.

BACKGROUND: Maxillary hypoplasia is a common skeletal condition in cleft lip and palate (CLP). Maxillary osteotomy is typically used to reposition the maxilla in CLP with maxillary hypoplasia. Previous studies have suggested that vowel articulations are adjusted postsurgically due to altered vocal tract configuration and articulatory reorganization. This acoustic study aims to investigate whether vowels are normalized postoperatively and to explore the nature of articulatory reorganization. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A prospective study was conducted to examine the vowel production of a group of individuals with CLP (N = 17) undergoing maxillary osteotomy and a group of normal controls (N = 20), using speech acoustic data. The data were collected at 0 to 3 months presurgery (T1), 3-months (T2), and 12-months (T3) postsurgery. General linear model repeated measures and independent t-tests were undertaken on F1, F2, and vowel space area. RESULTS: General linear model repeated measures revealed no main effects of time for F1 (F [2, 22] = 1.094, P = 0.352), F2 (F [2, 22] = 1.269, P = 0.301), and vowel space area (F [2, 28] = 0.059, P = 0.943). Independent t-tests showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) for all acoustic parameters and all vowels between the CLP and the normal groups at all time points. CONCLUSIONS: Vowels were not normalized after maxillary osteotomy despite positive anatomical changes within the oral cavity. Individuals with CLP tended to adjust their vowel articulatory gestures to match presurgical patterns. The nature of articulatory reorganization appears to be prompt, sensory-driven, complete, and permanent.

Single-Sided Segmental Maxillary Osteotomies for Alveolar Cleft Deformities.

ABSTRACT: Although the use of a one-sided segmental maxillary osteotomy has been described for repairing alveolar clefts, there remains little consensus regarding the indications and outcomes of such approaches. This brief clinical note aims to summarize previous studies of one-sided segmental maxillary osteotomies for alveolar cleft (AC) repair. A literature search yielded only 2 articles that described the use of a single-sided segmental maxillary osteotomies (SMO) for AC repair. The overall outcomes for the implementation of SMO in correcting AC were positive without major or minor complications. Although the available studies show promising results for the single-sided SMO technique, further validation is warranted to assess the indications and outcomes for this technique.

Displacement and stress distribution of the craniomaxillofacial complex under different surgical conditions: a three-dimensional finite element analysis of fracture mechanics.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a simplified treatment strategy for patients with maxillary transverse deficiency. We investigated and compared the fracture mechanics and stress distribution of a midline palatal suture under dynamic loads during surgically-assisted rapid palatal expansion. METHODS: Based on the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data of a 21-year-old female volunteer, a three-dimensional model of the cranio-maxillofacial complex (including the palatal suture) was constructed. A finite element analysis model was constructed based on meshwork. After the yield strength of the palatal suture was set, an increasing expansion force (0-500 N) was applied within 140 ms to calculate the time-load curve, which mimicked nonsurgical bone expansion (model A). The same method was used to evaluate the fracture process, time and stress distribution of the palatal suture in maxillary lateral osteotomy-assisted (model B) and LeFort osteomy I (LFIO)-assisted expansion of the maxillary arch (model C). RESULTS: Compared with model A, the palatal suture of model B and model C showed a faster stress accumulation rate and shorter fracture time, and the fracture time of model B and model C was almost identical. Compared with model A, we discovered that model B and model C showed greater lateral extension of the maxilla, and the difference was reflected mainly in the lower part of the maxilla, and there was no difference between model B and model C in lateral extension of the maxilla. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with arch expansion using nonsurgical assistance (model A), arch expansion using maxillary lateral wall-osteotomy (model B) or LFIO had a faster rate of stress accumulation, shorter time of fracture of the palatal suture and increased lateral displacement of the maxilla. Compared with arch expansion using LFIO (model C), arch expansion using lateral osteotomy (model B) had a similar duration of palatal suture rupture and lateral maxillary extension. In view of the trauma and serious complications associated with LFIO, maxillary lateral wall-osteotomy could be considered a substitute for LFIO.

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of Bi-Maxillary Osteotomy Using the Stress Distribution on the Temporomandibular Joint When Doing Anterior Teeth Occlusion.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) and Le Fort 1 osteotomy affected the stress distribution of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) during an anterior teeth bite using the three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) method. Fourteen orthognathic surgery patients were examined with mandibular prognathism, facial asymmetry, and mandibular retraction. They underwent Le Fort 1 osteotomy in conjunction with SSRO. In addition, ten asymptomatic subjects were recruited as the control group. The 3D models of the mandible, disc, and maxilla were reconstructed according to cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Contact was used to simulate the interaction of the disc-condyle, disc-temporal bone, and upper-lower dentition. Muscle forces and boundary conditions corresponding to the anterior occlusions were applied on the models. The stresses on the articular disc and condyle in the pre-operative group were significantly higher than normal. The contact stress and minimum principal stress in TMJ for patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) were abnormally higher. The peak stresses of the TMJ of the patients under anterior occlusions decreased after bimaxillary osteotomy. No postoperative TMD symptoms were found. Maxillofacial deformity led to excessive stress on the TMJ. Bimaxillary osteotomy can partially improve the stress distributions of the TMJ and relieve the symptoms of TMD.

Evaluation of Tissue Tensions in Segmental Maxillary Osteotomies by Finite Element Analysis.

PURPOSE: Maxillary segmentation associated with Le Fort I osteotomy is a surgical technique used to correct transverse maxillary discrepancies. Notwithstanding advances over the years, there are still complications arising from this surgical intervention, including the maintenance of sufficient blood supply and excessive tension of the palatal fibromucosa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the force applied during surgery on bone dislocation and fibromucosa tension in different maxillary segmentation designs by finite element analysis. METHODS: A 3-dimensional skull was generated from tomographic images. We worked with 4 models. In 2 models, we divided the maxilla into 3 segments: one with osteotomy between the lateral incisor and canine and the other between the canine and first premolar. In the other 2 models, we divided the maxilla into 4 segments with the same osteotomies previously mentioned. A force of 100 N was applied to the palatal surfaces of the right and left permanent maxillary first molars. RESULTS: When comparing the technique between 3 and 4 segments with the same interdental osteotomy, we evidenced greater bone dislocation and less fibromucosa tension in the 3-segment technique. When we contrast the same number of segments with different regions of interdental osteotomy, we noticed a lower fibromucosa tension and a greater bone dislocation in the lateral incisors and canine. CONCLUSIONS: The technique with 3 segments and with interdental osteotomy between the lateral incisor and canine presented less resistance, allowing greater dislocation and consequently generating less mucosa tension.

How Accurate Is 3-Dimensional Computer-Assisted Planning for Segmental Maxillary Surgery?

PURPOSE: The 3-dimensional (3D) accuracy of computer-assisted planning (CAP) of segmental maxillary osteotomies has seldom been reported with a comprehensive 3D analysis. The aim of the present study was to measure the accuracy of computer-planned segmental maxillary surgery and to identify the factors associated with accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present retrospective, cross-sectional study investigated cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of patients who had undergone segmental maxillary osteotomy with CAP at a single center from January 2013 to October 2019. The predictor variables were age, gender, diagnosis, CAP method, type of maxillary segmentalization, surgeon, surgical sequence, and magnitude of planned and actual movements. The primary outcome variable was surgical discrepancy (linear differences between the actual and planned maxillary movements using CAP in the x, y, and z coordinates) at various 3D landmarks. The mean difference and absolute mean difference (AMD) were computed to estimate the direction and magnitude of the discrepancies. In addition, a 2.0-mm threshold of surgical discrepancy was used to determine clinically acceptable accuracy. The association between the predictor and outcome variables were analyzed statistically using correlation and regression analyses. RESULTS: The sample included 63 patients (mean age, 20.1 years; 42.9% male). The surgical discrepancy was similar for 2- and 3-piece segmental maxillary osteotomies. Overall, the AMD for all patients was 0.96 ± 0.69 mm transversely, 1.23 ± 0.83 mm vertically, and 1.16 ± 0.80 mm anteroposteriorly (P < .01 for all). The discrepancy between the actual and planned movements was within 2.0 mm for more than 80% of cases. The major predictor variable that affected surgical discrepancy was the magnitude of the actual surgical movements (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: 3D CAP showed clinically acceptable accuracy for segmental maxillary osteotomies comparable to that of nonsegmental cases. Although the magnitude of actual surgical movements was shown to affect surgical accuracy, the sources of surgical discrepancies requires further investigation.

Identifying Predictors of Acquired Velopharyngeal Insufficiency in Cleft Lip and Palate Following Maxillary Osteotomy Using Multiple Regression Analyses.

BACKGROUND: Maxillary osteotomy is typically undertaken to correct abnormal facial growth in cleft lip and palate. The surgery can cause velopharyngeal insufficiency resulting in hypernasality. This study aims to identify valid predictors of acquired velopharyngeal insufficiency following maxillary osteotomy by using a range of perceptual and instrumental speech investigations and multiple regression. METHODS: A prospective study was undertaken consisting of a consecutive series of patients with cleft lip and palate (N = 20) undergoing maxillary osteotomy by a single surgeon. Participants were seen at: 0 to 3 months pre-surgery (T1), 3-months (T2), and 12-months (T3) post-surgery. Hypernasality was rated using the cleft audit protocol for speech-augmented (CAPS-A) and visual analog scales, and nasalance was measured on the Nasometer II 6400. For lateral videofluorosopic and nasendoscopic images, visual perceptual ratings and quantitative ratiometric measurements were undertaken. Multiple regression analyses were undertaken to identify predictors. RESULTS: T3 models with hypernasality as the dependent variable were found to be a good fit and significant (eg, CAPS-A: R2 = 0.920, F(11,7) = 7.303, P = 0.007). Closure ratio (a quantitative ratiometric measurement) and proportion of palate contacting the posterior pharyngeal wall (a visual perceptual rating) were identified as significant predictors for the CAPS-A model (P = 0.030, P = 0.002).

Effect of Maxillary Osteotomy on Speech in Cleft Lip and Palate: Instrumental Outcomes of Velopharyngeal Function.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of maxillary osteotomy on velopharyngeal function in cleft lip and palate (CLP) using instrumental measures. DESIGN: A prospective study. PARTICIPANTS: A consecutive series of 20 patients with CLP undergoing maxillary osteotomy by a single surgeon were seen at 0 to 3 months presurgery (T1), 3 months (T2), and 12 months (T3) post-surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Nasalance was measured on the Nasometer II 6400. For videofluoroscopy and nasendoscopy data, visual perceptual ratings, for example, palatal lift angle (PLAn), and quantitative ratiometric measurements, for example, closure ratio (CRa), were made using a validated methodology and computer software. Reliability studies were undertaken for all instrumental measures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Repeated measures analysis of variance (with time at 3 levels) for nasalance and each velar parameter. Planned comparisons across pairs of time points (T1-T2, T1-T3, and T2-T3) including effect sizes. RESULTS: A significant difference over time was found for nasalance (P = .001) and planned comparisons across pairs of time points were significant between T1 and T2 (P = .008), T1 and T3 (P = .002), but not between T2 and T3 (P = .459) providing evidence that maxillary osteotomy can impact on nasalance adversely and that the changes seen are permanent and stable. There were also significant differences over time for PLAn (P = .012) and CRa (P = -.059) and planned comparisons for both velar parameters reflected similar findings to those of nasalance. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary osteotomy can adversely affect velopharyngeal function in patients with CLP. The study provides evidence for a much earlier post-surgery review even as early as 3 months after surgery.

Segmental Maxillary Osteotomy to Close Wide Alveolar Clefts.

Wide alveolar clefts are challenging to treat and are often associated with a higher chance of failure requiring repeated bone grafts. Even if successful, an excessively large cleft leads to a wide edentulous space, and patients are faced with prolonged orthodontic treatment. We present a series of large alveolar clefts closed with the aid of segmental maxillary osteotomies. Cases of alveolar clefts treated by segmental maxillary osteotomy from 2014 to 2016 were reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans were analyzed to assess the alveolar gap and bone filling. Demographic characteristics, diagnoses, and operative techniques were reviewed and described. A total of 10 alveolar fistulae were addressed, using 6 segmental osteotomies in 6 patients. Of the cases, 66% were bilateral. There were 4 female and 2 male patients with an average age of 12.6 years. The average preoperative cleft width was 14.2 mm on computed tomography scans. Postoperatively, all clefts were successfully closed and no adverse effects were observed. Segmental maxillary osteotomy with concurrent bone grafting and fistula closure is an effective approach to treat excessively wide alveolar clefts. This enables a prudent dental substitution or prosthodontic plan while minimizing prolonged orthodontia, in addition to achieving the traditional goals of alveolar bone grafting (stabilizing the maxillary arch, closing fistulae, and permitting canine eruption).

Total Maxillary Alveolar Osteotomy: Surgical Technique and Review of Its Efficacy.

PURPOSE: The total maxillary alveolar osteotomy (TMxAO) is not commonly used to manage maxillary skeletal deformities. This article describes the technique, reviews its stability, and discusses its advantages over the more popular Le Fort I osteotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 177 TMxAO patients satisfying the inclusion criteria from a cadre of 234 patients undergoing TMxAO between 1985 and 1993 were evaluated in a retrospective cohort study regarding achievement of predicted anatomic movements, stability of skeletal results, and preservation of inter-alar dimension. The patients were evaluated early postoperatively and at 11 to 14 months postoperatively, and the data were exposed to the Shapiro-Wilk test and analysis of variance and analyzed using SPSS software (version 21; IBM, Armonk, NY) at the 99% level of confidence (P ≤ .01). RESULTS: Only in 58% of patients did the designed millimetric study model changes correspond precisely to the millimetric changes disclosed in a comparison of preoperative and early postoperative cephalograms. Comparison of early and late postoperative cephalograms, with infrequent exceptions, described millimetric instabilities of less than 2 mm and angular instabilities of less than 2°. Despite 2 significant outliers, the average inter-alar instability as determined by direct measurement was 0.19 mm. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the TMxAO compares favorably in stability with the Le Fort I osteotomy as recorded in the literature and, in terms of versatility, mobility of segments, avoidance of anatomic hazard, and preservation of nasal width, offers advantages in comparison.