Dental Injuries Following Segmented Le Fort I Osteotomy – A Retrospective Radiographic Study of 101 Patients

Abstract

Segmented Le Fort I osteotomy is a surgical procedure which allows the posterior segments to be repositioned more coronally to close an open bite, as well as correcting transverse discrepancies. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the prevalence of injuries to teeth and surrounding hard tissues in patients who had undergone the Le Fort I osteotomy procedure with maxillary segmentation. In total, 101 patients were included according to predetermined criteria. Radiographs from the 6-month postoperative follow-up were reviewed in all patients. Complications such as root fractures, root resorptions, periodontal defects, sclerotic and osteolytic processes were noted. Intraoral periapical radiographs were primarily reviewed and where unavailable, panoramic radiographs were instead used. In addition, preoperative and postoperative radiographs up to 30 months were reviewed in patients with found radiographic changes at 6 months. In cases with root fracture, the medical record was reviewed in search of any additional treatment. Seven root fractures were noted in total. Only one tooth required replacement, in this case with a dental implant. Clinically significant complications to teeth adjacent to vertical osteotomies from the Le Fort I osteotomy with maxillary segmentation were uncommon.