title: Altering the angulation of a curved osteotome--does it have effects on the type of pterygomaxillary disjunction in Le Fort I osteotomy? An experimental study.
abstract: A standard Le Fort I osteotomy was performed on 12 cadavers to determine whether the incidence of pterygoid plate fractures could be reduced by increasing the angle of the curved osteotome relative to the sagittal plane. In the group where an osteotome with the usual angulation was employed, fractures occurred on 9 of 12 sides. In the increased angulation group, 5 of 12 pterygoid plates were fractured. All fractures were restricted to the level of the horizontal osteotomy cut. It is concluded that increased angulation of a curved osteotome can decrease the incidence of fractures of the pterygoid plates. This procedure, however, is not recommended because it can cause fracture of the palatine bone or displacement of the fractured pterygoid plate fragment posteriorly.
authors.affiliation: Oral Surgery Clinic, Faculty of Stomatology, University of Beograd, Yugoslavia.
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Stajcić
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003393:Cranial Sutures / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000517:prevention & control; D008437:Maxilla / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D008440:Maxillary Fractures / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000601:surgery; D009666:Nose / Q000601:surgery; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013100:Sphenoid Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery