Stability of maxilla after segmental Le Fort I osteotomy combined with anterior maxilla clockwise rotation in patients with maxillary hypoplasia: a retrospective study

BackgroundSegmental Le Fort I osteotomy combined with anterior maxillary clockwise rotation has been proposed as an effective treatment for maxillary hypoplasia. However, the stability of maxilla after the operation remains unknown.MethodsA total of 30 patients undergoing segmental Le Fort I osteotomy were retrospectively included. The follow-up period was more than one year. The stability of anterior maxilla after clockwise rotation was evaluated by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) performed before surgery (T0), three days after surgery (T1), and at least one year after surgery (T2), respectively. The key parameters were the postoperative relapse of the anterior maxillary clockwise rotation angle (CRA) and paranasal advancement.ResultsFollowing segmental Le Fort I osteotomy, the average CRA of the anterior maxilla was 10.02 degrees +/- 3.86 degrees, while the mean paranasal advancement was 6.22 +/- 1.40 mm. At the one-year follow-up, the relapse of CRA and paranasal advancement were -0.42 degrees +/- 2.51 degrees (p = 0.951) and -0.28 +/- 0.83 mm (p = 0.08), respectively, suggesting good postoperative stability. Additionally, no significant correlation was found between the intraoperative CRA and its relapse over time.ConclusionSegmental Le Fort I osteotomy combined with anterior maxillary clockwise rotation demonstrates favorable stability up to one year postoperatively, making it a reliable approach for the treatment of maxillary hypoplasia.