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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
A Postoperative Evaluation Guideline for Computer-Assisted Reconstruction of the Mandible
Published on: January 28, 2020
Postoperative computed tomography scan study of the pterygomaxillary separation during the Le Fort I osteotomy using
1University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
Purpose:
The objective of the study was to evaluate the type of pterygomaxillary separation that occurs with use of a micro-oscillating saw.
Patients And Methods:
Sixteen patients underwent a postoperative computed tomography scan.
Results:
Ideal or near-ideal separations occurred on 26 of 32 sides (81%), while low-level fractures occurred in 6 of 32 sides (19%). No high-level fractures of the pterygoid plates, or fractures extending to the base of the skull or orbit, were seen. There was a striking difference in the number of ideal separations on the right-hand side (94%), compared with the left-hand side (50%), probably because of the greater difficulty of a right-handed surgeon positioning the saw blade correctly on the left side without bending the thin flexible saw blade backward.
Conclusion:
In view of the high percentage of ideal pterygomaxillary separations achieved using a micro-oscillating saw, and the absence of high-level pterygoid plate fractures extending to the base of the skull, this technique is recommended for the pterygomaxillary dysjunction.
