Effect of autogenous bone grafts on healing following Le Fort I maxillary osteotomies

The healing of Le Fort I maxillary osteotomies was studied histologically in 12 adult rhesus monkeys to determine the effect of split autogenous rib grafts overlaying the osteotomy cuts on the lateral maxillary walls. The maxilla was advanced 8 mm in each animal, and examined at varying intervals up to 24 weeks after surgery. The results indicated that there were no obvious differences between the monkeys with and without the rib grafts. Both groups healed with good osseous union. It is concluded that autogenous rib grafts did not enhance bony healing.