Corticotomy assisted Le Fort I osteotomy: an alternative to segmentation of the maxilla

Abstract

The segmentation of the Le Fort I osteotomy is a surgical technique used for the correction of vertical and horizontal discrepancies. However one of its limitations is the presence of narrow interradicular distance. This article describes a surgical technique that can be used to solve dentofacial deformities associated with inadequate overbite/overjet when articulated models are hand-held in the presence of a narrow interradicular distance. The technique involves the Le Fort I osteotomy associated with buccal alveolar corticotomies in the maxilla. During the immediate postoperative period elastic forces are applied to mobilize the dentoalveolar segment, leading to the closure of the bite. The outcome of the treated patients confirms that this technique is an alternative to segmentation of the maxilla.