[Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion: a retrospective study].

Transverse maxillary hypoplasia, in adolescents and adults, may be corrected by means of a 'surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion' (SARME). The results of 7 patients who were treated by means of a SARME, are presented. Attention is paid to the technique, the type of expansion, and the stability of the expansion of the maxilla 1-1.5 years after SARME. The mean expansion between the cuspids was 4.7 mm (sd 1.7) and between the first molars 5.6 mm (sd 3.2). The SARME technique appeared to give rise to a predictable result and a sufficient amount of expansion, although the sample is small and the follow-up period relatively short. All patients had a satisfactory result without complications.