A safe, stable, and convenient three-dimensional device for high Le Fort I osteotomy

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthognathic Surgery
• 3D Technology in Medicine

Background:

• Le Fort I osteotomy is a standard procedure for skeletal jaw deformities.
• High Le Fort I osteotomy elevates the osteotomy site to address midface hypoplasia.
• Advancements in 3D printing have increased its application in orthognathic surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel, cost-effective method for high Le Fort I osteotomy.
• To demonstrate the use of a new 3D device and piezosurgery for improved surgical outcomes.
• To address challenges associated with conventional 3D devices in specific patient cases.

Main Methods:

• A modified 3D device was designed in two separate parts for better surgical field access.
• The 3D device was stabilized using fixation points at the anterior nasal spine and piriform aperture.
• Piezosurgery was employed to ensure precise osteotomy and prevent damage to vital structures.

Main Results:

• The novel 3D device facilitated accurate high Le Fort I osteotomy in a patient with a short midface and long tooth roots.
• The surgical technique successfully prevented injury to tooth roots and the infraorbital nerve.
• The thin, custom-designed 3D device did not interfere with the surgical field, enhancing safety and accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D device is smaller, simpler, and more cost-effective than conventional devices.
• This method provides an efficient solution for accurate high Le Fort I osteotomy.
• The combined use of the novel 3D device and piezosurgery ensures safe and precise surgical execution.