title: A modified occlusal splint to avoid tracheotomy for total midface osteotomies.
abstract: A modified occlusal splint is described which may be used to avoid tracheostomy when a total midface osteotomy is required. We demonstrate the accuracy of the modified splint by using the technique in a control subject who underwent alginate impressions, dental casts, and a face-bow transfer. A modified splint was constructed on the articulated dental models and was found to be accurate within the range of rotational movement of the temporomandibular joint. The technique is demonstrated in a patient with Crouzon's syndrome undergoing cranial vault reshaping and a monobloc (midface) advancement. The modified occlusal splint provides an alternative method of airway management when precise intraoperative occlusal relationships are important.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery (Department of Surgery), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Posnick
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nakano
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003394:Craniofacial Dysostosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D010027:Osteotomy; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000379:methods; D014140:Tracheotomy