Eustachian Tube Dysfunction After LeFort 1 Osteotomy Orthognathic Surgery

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Class III occlusal deformities often require surgical correction.
• Maxillary advancement using LeFort I osteotomies is a common surgical procedure.
• Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) can significantly impact quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential link between maxillary advancement surgery and the development of Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).
• To explore the anatomical and muscular changes following LeFort I osteotomies that may contribute to ETD.
• To present a pilot case study guiding future retrospective and prospective research.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 24-year-old male with Class III occlusal deformity.
• Review of surgical history involving maxillary advancement with LeFort I osteotomies.
• Clinical diagnosis of bothersome Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) 18 months post-surgery.

Main Results:

• The patient developed symptomatic Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) 18 months after maxillary advancement.
• Anatomical shifts from LeFort I osteotomies are hypothesized to alter Eustachian tube muscle function.
• This muscle realignment is suspected as a primary cause of the patient's new-onset ETD.

Conclusions:

• Maxillary advancement surgery may be associated with an increased risk of developing Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).
• Understanding the anatomical consequences of LeFort I osteotomies is crucial for predicting and potentially mitigating ETD.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in larger patient cohorts.