Le Fort Maxillary Osteotomy

The Le Fort maxillary osteotomy, a surgical procedure that adjusts the upper jawbone (maxilla), is a key technique in orthognathic surgery. This field of dentistry specializes in rectifying abnormalities in jawbone and facial structure.

Three variations of the Le Fort osteotomy exist:

1. Le Fort I osteotomy

This method involves a horizontal cut just below the nasal bones in the maxilla. It’s typically used to rectify midface deformities like underdevelopment (retrusion) or overdevelopment (prognathism) of the maxilla.

2. Le Fort II osteotomy:

This technique involves a pyramid-shaped cut in the maxilla, including the nasal bones and parts of the cheekbones. It’s often used to correct more complex midface deformities, such as those resulting from a cleft lip and palate.

3. Le Fort III osteotomy:

This procedure involves completely separating the maxilla from the skull, including the nasal bones, cheekbones, and palate. It’s typically used to correct severe facial deformities, such as those caused by craniofacial syndromes.

The Le Fort maxillary osteotomy is performed under general anesthesia and can take several hours. The surgeon makes an incision inside the patient’s mouth, uses various surgical tools to cut and reposition the maxilla, and then secures it with screws or wires.

Post-surgery, patients may experience pain and swelling. They’ll need to adhere to a soft diet for several weeks and may need to wear a splint or mouthguard to protect the healing bone.

The benefits of Le Fort maxillary osteotomy include improved facial symmetry, better breathing, enhanced function of the teeth and jaw, and increased self-confidence. However, the procedure also carries risks such as bleeding, infection, nerve damage, numbness or tingling in the face, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and changes in facial sensation.