Incidence of nasolacrimal injury and turbinectomy--associated atrophic rhinitis with Le Fort I osteotomies.

Injury to the lacrimal system can occur with trauma, craniofacial surgery, rhinoplasty and nasal antrostomy. Nasolacrimal duct injury may potentially occur with Le Fort I superior repositioning. Atrophic rhinitis is also a potential complication secondary to turbinectomy required during Le Fort I superior repositioning. A review of thirty-four cases over three years of Le Fort I osteotomies with superior repositioning found no postoperative lacrimal injury and no subsequent atrophic rhinitis associated with turbinectomy. An anatomical study relating the position of the nasolacrimal duct opening within the inferior meatus and the distance available for maxillary impaction is reviewed.