Incidence of maxillary sinusitis following Le Fort I osteotomy: clinical, radiographic, and endoscopic study.

PURPOSE: The correction of maxillomandibular deformities may require maxillary osteotomy procedures that usually present low rates of postoperative complications, such as maxillary sinusitis. The present study evaluated the incidence of maxillary sinusitis after Le Fort I osteotomy in 21 adult patients who underwent maxillary surgery (Le Fort I osteotomy) or bimaxillary surgery (Le Fort I osteotomy plus sagittal mandibular osteotomies) for correction of dentofacial deformities.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Verification of the presence of maxillary sinusitis was assessed through a brief questionnaire, x-rays (Waters views), and nasal endoscopy before surgery and 6 to 8 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Analysis of results showed an incidence of 4.76% of maxillary sinusitis as a postoperative complication in the studied population.

CONCLUSION

Symptomatic patients with a positive radiographic finding or an increased risk for postoperative sinusitis will benefit from endoscopic evaluation to aid in treatment planning and follow-up.