Zygomatic sagittal split osteotomy: a novel and simple surgical technique for use in midface corrections.

BACKGROUND

The correction of many craniofacial malformations requires the improvement and stabilization of the midface area. In this article, we present a simple surgical technique for improving and correcting the orbitozygomatic area. This technique is called zygomatic sagittal split osteotomy (ZSSO).

METHODS

Between September 2003 and June 2008, we performed ZSSO on 12 patients. The technique is described in the article. We performed a clinical evaluation of the technique using the following criteria: postsurgical complications, loss of stability, and sagittal prominence. In addition, a radiologic evaluation was performed on axial computed tomographic images. We considered a 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

We performed 15 ZSSO procedures. No evidence of postsurgical complications, loss of stability, or sagittal prominence was reported during the 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Zygomatic sagittal split osteotomy is a simple surgical technique to be used in the correction and stabilization of the midface area. It can be performed without using graft or osteodistraction device.