Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2025
Real-Time Dynamic Navigation System for the Precise Quad-Zygomatic Implant Placement in a Patient with a Severely Atrophic Maxilla
Published on: October 18, 2021
Evaluation of cortical bone thickness at the nasomaxillary and zygomaticomaxillary buttresses using cone-beam
Ching-Wen Chuang1, Yu-Chuen Huang2, I Chen3,4
1Master Program for Biomedical Engineering, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Background/Purpose:
Studies have indicated that 50%-55% of the population have malocclusion, and approximately 5%-10% require orthognathic surgery to correct this condition. Optimal placement of plates and screws significantly affects the success rate of the surgery and postoperative stability. This study evaluates the cortical thickness of the maxillary bone in the nasomaxillary and zygomaticomaxillary buttress regions in Taiwanese patients based on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.
Materials And Methods:
128 Patients undergoing Le Fort I osteotomy were selected for this study. Their CBCT images were input into medical imaging software to simulate the placement of titanium screws and plates. The cortical bone thickness at these positions was measured to assess the thickness in the nasomaxillary buttress (surrounding the nasal opening) and the zygomaticomaxillary buttress (surrounding the maxillary zygomatic process). Associations of these thicknesses with gender, age, and screw position were analyzed.
Results:
In the nasomaxillary region, cortical bone was thicker on the upper and lower vertical regions, with men generally having thicker bone. The zygomaticomaxillary region had increased thickness near the zygomatic end and distal region. Younger adults had significantly greater bone thickness in certain areas than those over 30 years.
Conclusion:
The nasomaxillary region's upper and lower vertical regions and the zygomatic end in the zygomaticomaxillary region provide optimal screw placement sites. Bone thickness differences by gender and age suggest occlusal force and age-related bone resorption as influencing factors.
