Postoperative computed tomography scan study of the pterygomaxillary separation during the Le Fort I osteotomy using a micro-oscillating saw.

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.