Changes in zygomatic arch position following experimental lateral displacement.

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Surgical Research

Background:

• Zygomatic arch augmentation is a surgical procedure.
• Stability of augmentation procedures is crucial for long-term outcomes.
• Limited data exists on the long-term stability of zygomatic arch augmentation using bone grafts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the stability of lateral zygomatic arch displacement achieved through osteotomy and bone grafting.
• To assess the long-term changes in zygomatic arch position after augmentation.
• To determine the percentage of surgically created width difference that is maintained over 24 months.

Main Methods:

• Eight rhesus monkeys underwent lateral displacement of the zygomatic arch via osteotomy and an 8 mm supraorbital bone graft.
• The contralateral side served as a control.
• Submento-vertex head films were used to monitor post-operative changes over a 24-month follow-up period.

Main Results:

• A 55% reduction in lateral displacement was observed by 3 months post-operatively.
• Minimal changes occurred between 3 and 12 months.
• The distance from the zygomatic arch to the midline increased with growth from 12 to 24 months.
• At 24 months, only 18% of the surgically created width difference remained.

Conclusions:

• Zygomatic arch augmentation with supraorbital bone grafts demonstrates significant initial relapse.
• The procedure shows limited long-term stability, with substantial loss of the augmented width.
• Further research is needed to improve the stability of zygomatic arch augmentation techniques.