Le Fort III osteotomy to correct dish-face deformity resulting from facial trauma

Untreated craniofacial fractures may result in a deformity similar to that which results from underdevelopment of the maxilla. Such a deformity can be corrected by osteotomy simulating Le Fort type III fracture lines. This operation necessitates careful pre-operative planning which incorporates a feasibility study with the combined use of dental study casts, cephalometric radiography and life-size photographic reproductions. A case history which describes the management of late complications of a malunited class III fracture is given.