Comparison of skeletal stability with rigid and wire fixation in patients who have undergone Le Fort I and Anterior Segmental Maxillary Osteotomy

Abstract

Background: Maxillary superior repositioning is widely regarded as the most stable procedure in orthognathic surgery, requiring minimal instruments for stabilization. Rigid fixation is considered the ideal method for long-term stability, leading to improved anatomic structures, enhanced recovery of bite forces, and better bite function. Objective: To compare the skeletal stability following Le Fort I and anterior maxillary osteotomy with wire osteosynthesis and rigid fixation. Materials and Methods: A total of 16 patients, including one male and 15 females, underwent Le Fort I and anterior segmental maxillary osteotomy along with fixation using either wire osteosynthesis or rigid fixation for correction of vertical and anteroposterior maxillary excess. Patients were assessed at preoperative, 1-week postoperative, and 6-month postoperative stages using a lateral cephalogram to evaluate skeletal stability. Results: The wire osteosynthesis group showed significant differences in posterior maxillary vertical measurements compared to the rigid fixation group. However, there was no significant difference in anterior vertical and anteroposterior skeletal measurements between the two groups. Conclusion: Wire osteosynthesis is a stable form of fixation for superior repositioning with segmentation of the maxilla for correction of vertical and antero-posterior excess.

Keywords

• anterior segmental maxillary osteotomy; le fort i osteotomy; rigid fixation; skeletal stability; wire osteosynthesis