Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
07:16
Author Spotlight: Development of a Novel Finite Element Analysis Model for Improved Orthognathic Surgical Techniques
Published on: October 20, 2023
2.1K
Three-Dimensional Effects of Two Minimally Invasive Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion Techniques
Bibiana Mello da Rosa1,2,3, Orion Luiz Haas1,2, Rubens Martins Bastos1,2
1Private Practice/Belle & Haas Center of Orofacial Surgery, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research
|April 15, 2026
Summary
Two bone-anchored surgically assisted palatal expansion techniques showed similar skeletal effects in 3D. One technique resulted in significant anterior asymmetry, warranting further investigation for optimal surgical planning.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Surgically assisted palatal expansion (SAPE) is crucial for correcting maxillary hypoplasia.
- Minimally invasive bone-anchored techniques offer potential advantages in SAPE.
- Evaluating the three-dimensional skeletal effects of these techniques is essential for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the skeletal effects of two minimally invasive bone-anchored SAPE techniques.
- To assess the influence of pterygomaxillary disjunction (PD) and nasal septum disinsertion (NSD) on SAPE outcomes.
- To analyze skeletal changes in transverse, vertical, and anteroposterior planes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 39 patients undergoing SAPE.
- Two groups: G1 (without PD and NSD) and G2 (with PD and NSD).
- Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans analyzed pre- and post-expansion for 3D skeletal changes.
Main Results:
- Both techniques achieved significant transverse expansion without intergroup differences.
- Group G1 showed significant anterior transverse asymmetry.
- Group G2 exhibited significant inferior and anterior displacement of maxillary structures, with no significant intergroup differences.
- Both groups demonstrated incisor and posterior nasal spine displacement.
Conclusions:
- Both bone-anchored SAPE techniques yield comparable skeletal effects across 3D axes.
- A slight clockwise maxillary rotation was observed, consistent with conventional SAPE.
- Significant anterior asymmetry in G1 suggests a need for further research.
- Current evidence does not favor one technique over the other, despite observed displacement tendencies.
