Vomero-sphenoidal disarticulation during the Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy: report of case

Determination of safety margin of nasal septum osteotomy for sphenoid sinus in cleft lip and palate patients

BACKGROUND

Nasal septum osteotomy is used for separating the nasal septum and maxilla during a Le Fort I osteotomy. If this osteotomy is applied too high or is tilted into the nasal cavity, the sphenoid sinus and various adjacent vital structures may be damaged, and serious bleeding, neurological complications, blindness or even death may occur. The aim of this study is to determine the safety margin of the nasal septum osteotomy for sphenoid sinus during the Le Fort I surgery in cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients.

METHODS

Twenty cleft lip and palate (the CLP group) and 20 healthy individuals (the control group) were included in this study. Three values (two lines and an angle) were measured by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The first line is the line passing through the junction of the spina nasalis anterior point and the lower point of the perpendicular lamina of the palatine bone. The undersired line is the line passing through the junction of the spina nasalis anterior point and the lower anterior border of the base of the sphenoid sinus. The osteotomy angle is the angle between these two lines.

RESULTS

In the control group; a surgical line of 44.11-61.14 mm (mean 51.91 ± 4.32), an undesired line of 52.48-69.58 mm (mean 59.14 ± 5.08) and an angle of 18.22-27.270 (mean 22.66 ± 2.55) were found, while in the CLP group, a surgical line of 34.53-51.16 mm (mean 43.38 ± 4.79), an undesired line of 46.86-61.35 mm (mean 55.02 ± 3.24) and an angle of 17.60-28.810 (mean 22.60 ± 2.81) were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the angle to the sphenoid sinus was not significantly affected by CLP, careful planning and consideration of these anatomical differences are crucial to prevent complications and ensure the safety of Le Fort I surgery in CLP patients. Further research with larger sample sizes and subgroup analysis of unilateral and bilateral CLP cases is needed to improve our understanding of these anatomical variations and improve surgical approaches to individuals with CLP undergoing orthognathic procedures.

Complications associated with orthognathic surgery

While most patients undergo orthognathic surgery for aesthetic purposes, aesthetic improvements are most often followed by postoperative functional complications. Therefore, patients must carefully decide whether their purpose of undergoing orthognathic surgery lies on the aesthetic side or the functional side. There is a wide variety of complications associated with orthognathic surgery. There should be a clear distinction between malpractice and complications. Complications can be resolved without any serious problems if the cause is detected early and adequate treatment provided. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons must have a full understanding of the types, causes, and treatment of complications, and should deliver this information to patients who develop these complications.

A new preoperative radiological assessment in LeFort I surgery: anterior nasal spine-sphenoidal rostrum

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to assess the distance between the anterior nasal spine and the sphenoidal rostrum related to the LeFort I surgery in a Turkish population sample.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) scans of 209 patients (134 males and 75 females). The images were obtained on a 64-MDCT scanner. The imaging parameters were 0.5 × 64 mm slice thickness, 0.5/0.3 mm increment, 120 kV, 250 mAs, 0.5 sn rotation time, 0.641 pitch, and 512 matrix. The distance between the anterior nasal spine and the sphenoidal rostrum was assessed with the Vitrea 2 software program.

RESULTS

The study group consisted of 134 male (mean age 57.90 ± 5.86) and 75 female (mean age 54.84 ± 4.31) patients. The distance between the anterior nasal spine and the sphenoidal rostrum was ranging between 40.4 and 70.9 mm (average 58.3 ± 5.9) in males and 45.0 and 63.2 mm in (average 55.2 ± 4.3) females. In addition, no statistically significant differences were found between genders.

CONCLUSION

The results of the current study showed that after 40 mm proceeding of the ball end nasal osteotome, the surgeons must be aware of penetrating the sphenoidal rostrum.

Fractures of the atrophic, edentulous maxilla during Le Fort I osteotomy

The incidence of unfavorable fractures of the maxilla during Le Fort I osteotomy was compared between patients with atrophic, edentulous maxillae and patients with normal dentate maxillae. Unfavorable fractures frequently occurred in atrophic, edentulous maxillae. The most common maxillary fracture involved the junction of the horizontal plate of the palatine bone and posterior part of the maxilla. Prevention strategies and treatment options are discussed.