Surgical Management of Lateral Orbital Contour Following Le Fort III Distraction

Le Fort III distraction is indicated for the management of skeletal malocclusions, midface hypoplasia, and exorbitism and has been found to be a safe procedure with predictable results. Although variation in the placement of the lateral orbital osteotomy has been described, the classic osteotomy divides the zygomatic arch, crosses the lateral orbital rim, transverses the orbital floor, and ends in the midline. Distraction of this segment may lead to a palpable, and sometimes visible, step deformity between the lower and upper segments of the lateral orbital wall. The authors present a novel approach to the management of the lateral orbital wall step deformity following Le Fort III distraction.