Maxillofacial surgery iOS application Le Fort

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Le Fort I Osteotomy Background We describe a surgery of the maxilla that is commonly performed for the correction of a dentofacial deformity. The Le Fort I osteotomy addresses deformities of the lower midface, which may include an abnormality of growth, a congenitally acquired asymmetry, or relative disproportion to the position of the mandible. A thorough clinical and radiographic assessment of the facial bones and soft tissues should accompany a patient’s subjective complaint in order to establish the proper diagnosis of the type and severity of dentofacial deformity, which may include isolated maxillary or mandibular problems, or more commonly, combined bimaxillary altered growth patterns. The initial patient encounter may present with dental malocclusion, problems of speech and mastication, upper airway obstruction, or cosmetic facial disharmony. While patients may typically describe their complaints in terms of mandibular appearance, such as a displeasing prognathic mandible, the clinician must investigate the maxillary contribution to the overall skeletofacial problem. Imaging, dental casts, soft tissue measurements, and applied cephalometrics will assist in reaching a proper diagnosis of a skeletal abnormality such as maxillary hypoplasia or hyperplasia, as well as any simultaneous transverse discrepancies. The main goal of orthognathic surgery is the improvement of skeletofacial deformities and the resulting malocclusion. An interdisciplinary approach (Orthodontic and Surgical) is required. The role of the orthodontics is to alleviate any dental compensations, level, align and coordinate the dental arches in preparation for the surgical procedure.