Related Experiment Videos
Tension forces in relation to LeFort III osteotomies
A S Herford1, R Finn, W Tharanon
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75235-9109, USA.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|April 21, 2001
Summary
Performing incomplete LeFort III osteotomies without pterygomaxillary dysjunction requires more force and leads to unfavorable fractures. Complete osteotomies with pterygomaxillary dysjunction are recommended for safer midface separation.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- LeFort III osteotomies are used for midface advancement.
- Complications have led to procedural modifications, including incomplete osteotomies or omitting pterygomaxillary dysjunction to reduce morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the tension forces needed for midface separation from pterygoid plates.
- To analyze fracture patterns resulting from different osteotomy techniques.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen cadaver skulls were divided into five groups.
- Osteotomies were performed completely or incompletely, with or without pterygomaxillary separation.
- An Instron machine measured separation tension forces.
Main Results:
- Incomplete osteotomies without pterygomaxillary separation demanded higher tension forces.
- These conditions resulted in a 47% rate of unfavorable fractures.
- Greater tension led to unpredictable midface separations.
Conclusions:
- Complete LeFort III osteotomies with pterygomaxillary dysjunction are recommended.
- This approach minimizes tension requirements and unpredictable fracture patterns.
- Ensuring complete osteotomies and pterygomaxillary separation enhances surgical safety and predictability.