[Endoscopically assisted Le Fort 1 osteotomy: a study in human cadaver heads]

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
• Endoscopic Surgery

Background:

• Le Fort 1 osteotomy is a standard procedure for midface advancement.
• Traditional approaches involve larger incisions and potential risks to surrounding structures.
• Endoscopic assistance offers a potential for improved visualization and reduced tissue disruption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of endoscopically assisted Le Fort 1 osteotomy in a cadaver model.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of this minimally invasive technique.
• To explore the use of self-drilling fixation in conjunction with endoscopic osteotomy.

Main Methods:

• Le Fort 1 osteotomy performed on six human cadaver skulls.
• Vertical incisions utilized for endoscopic access to the maxilla.
• Bone cuts executed with a 4-mm osteotome, preserving buccal mucosa.
• Endoscopic verification of descending palatal artery integrity during downfracture.
• Rigid fixation achieved with 1.5-mm titanium plates and self-drilling screws.

Main Results:

• Successful execution of endoscopically assisted Le Fort 1 osteotomy.
• Bone cuts achieved without damaging the buccal mucosa.
• Maxillary downfracture completed without injury to descending palatal arteries.
• Endoscopic visualization confirmed the preservation of critical vascular structures.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic techniques facilitate Le Fort 1 osteotomy via limited approaches.
• Self-drilling fixation tools are compatible with this minimally invasive method.
• Further research and refinement are necessary for clinical translation.
• This cadaver study supports the potential of endoscopic assistance in maxillofacial osteotomies.