title: The effects of early Le Fort I osteotomies on craniofacial growth of juvenile Macaca nemestrina monkeys.
abstract: Le Fort I osteotomies were performed on three juvenile Macaca nemestrina monkeys with midface deficiencies from prior extraoral traction. The maxillas of these monkeys were moved anteriorly an amount necessary to achieve about 8 mm. of horizontal overjet. Interosseous wires were used to stabilize the segments; the animals were not placed in intermaxillary fixation. Craniofacial growth in the three experimental monkeys and in three control monkeys was monitored for 2 years with serial cephalometric radiographs. Compared to the controls, the maxillas of the experimental animals demonstrated less anterior growth, and this was manifested clinically in anterior dental cross-bite relationships. Histologic examination of the circummaxillary sutural complex revealed normal morphology. It is concluded, therefore, that early Le Fort I osteotomies significantly affect subsequent maxillary growth in monkeys and that this effect probably is due to formation of scar tissue.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000473:pathology; D002508:Cephalometry; D008254:Macaca nemestrina; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000254:growth & development; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery*; D008445:Maxillofacial Development; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012886:Skull / Q000254:growth & development