Maxillary bone healing and CT value after Le Fort I osteotomy using absorbable plate system: A retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthodontics
• Radiology

Background:

• Le Fort I osteotomy is a common procedure for correcting maxillofacial deformities.
• Understanding bone healing patterns and CT values post-osteotomy is crucial for treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate maxillary bone healing and computed tomography (CT) values after Le Fort I osteotomy combined with sagittal split ramus osteotomy.
• To assess changes in bone defect areas and CT values at 1 week and 1 year postoperatively in patients with class II and III malocclusion.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3-dimensional CT views to measure bone defect areas at anterior and posterior sites.
• Measured CT values around the osteotomy line in medial, middle, and lateral regions.
• Analyzed data from 112 sides (58 patients) with class II and III malocclusion.

Main Results:

• Bone defect areas increased at the anterior site in class III and at both anterior and posterior sites in class II malocclusion (P < 0.05).
• Increased bone defect area in class II was associated with lower CT values in the middle site of middle and lateral regions.
• Partial bony defects persisted in both class II and III malocclusion within 1 year post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• Maxillary bone healing can be incomplete within one year after Le Fort I osteotomy in class II and III malocclusion.
• Lower CT values may indicate compromised bone healing in specific regions.
• Further research may explore factors influencing bone regeneration and long-term stability.