Re Operative Orthognathic Surgery
Re Operative Orthognathic Surgery
Re Operative Orthognathic Surgery
Department of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA c Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA d Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico e Private practice, Sunninghill Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa * Center for Orthognathic Surgery & Implantology, Sunninghill Hospital, Suite 25 West Wing, Cnr Nanyuki and Witkoppen Roads, Sunninghill Park, 2157, South Africa. E-mail address: [email protected]
b
Oral Maxillofacial Surg Clin N Am 23 (2011) 7392 doi:10.1016/j.coms.2010.10.001 1042-3699/11/$ e see front matter 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Favorable treatment outcomes in orthognathic surgical treatment can be achieved if the criteria of a comprehensive diagnosis, accurate treatment planning, and a sound surgical technique are closely adhered to. However, a small percentage of cases may require a second corrective surgery. Complications requiring reoperation are usually experienced by all clinicians eventually. Management of the complications by reoperation is usually more difficult than the primary surgery, and is often cumbersome. The best chance of achieving a pleasing surgical result is always by succeeding with the first operation. The key to obtaining a successful secondary corrective procedure is to understand and appreciate the nature of the complication and the possible reasons for the complication to have occurred. This will enable a comprehensive treatment plan to be developed to manage the problem. A second surgical procedure or reoperation is required when the surgical treatment goals have not been achieved and the results obtained are not acceptable from a functional and/or esthetic point of view. From an ethical point of view, it is essential to inform the patient once the complication has been identified. It is not a pleasant task for a clinician to inform a patient that a second surgical procedure is required to address an untoward result. The nature of the problem, the possible reasons for it to have occurred, and the proposed method of managing the problem should be explained to the patient in a compassionate way. In confirming the necessity of the second surgical procedure to the patient, it should
be stressed that alternative, conservative means of fixing or attempting to fix the problem by orthodontic means will compromise the result and lead to an unwanted outcome. However, some patients may refuse any further surgery and accept the compromised result. Factors that may motivate patients not to accept the reoperation may include the financial implications, work situation, studies, or loss of confidence in the surgeon. It is imperative that the possible consequences of choosing the nonsurgical option are thoroughly explained. Operative complications requiring reoperation can be classified as (Box 1): 1. Intraoperative complications requiring an intraoperative correction 2. Immediate postoperative complications 3. Complications that develop some time after surgery 4. Surgical technique for the correction of complications.
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operation to be performed with confidence to achieve optimal results.
Box 1 Orthognathic surgery complications requiring reoperation Intraoperative complications requiring corrective measures 1. Incorrect condylar positioning Central condylar sag Peripheral condylar sag type II 2. Shift of occlusion during placement of rigid fixation Immediate postoperative complications requiring reoperation 1. Inaccurate surgical splint 2. Incorrect condylar positioning during surgery Central condylar sag Peripheral condylar sag type II 3. Failure of rigid fixation 4. Neuromuscular relapse Late postoperative complications requiring reoperation 1. Unexpected posttreatment growth 2. Postoperative dental relapse 3. Postoperative skeletal relapse Condylar resorption Idiopathic condylar resorption Peripheral condylar sag type I Neuromuscular relapse 4. Unsatisfactory esthetic results Soft tissue esthetic problems Nasal esthetics Midface esthetics Lip esthetics Hard tissue esthetic problems Facial asymmetry Anteroposterior problems Vertical problems Surgical technique for correction of complications skeletal
understanding of the sequence and implication of each step. For each step during the procedure there are certain tips simplifying the surgery, but also certain traps. Being aware of these tips and traps will enable the surgeon to constantly critically evaluate the surgical progress and allow the
when the condyle is positioned inferiorly in the glenoid fossa and makes no contact with any part of the fossa. After removal of the MMF and in the absence of intracapsular edema or hemarthrosis, the condyle will move superiorly, causing a malocclusion (Fig. 1). When bilateral condylar sag has occurred, the mandible will rotate clockwise and backward causing a class II occlusion with a slight anterior open bite. However, the dental midlines will be coincidental (Fig. 2). When condylar sag has occurred, only on 1 side, the occlusion will be class II, on the effected side and the lower dental midline will be displaced toward the offending side. In the presence of intracapsular edema or hemarthrosis, the condyle may be pushed downwards by hydraulic pressure in the joint capsule, making intraoperative diagnosis of central sag difficult.2
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Fig. 1. (A) The teeth are held in the planned occlusion by MMF and the mandibular bone segments are held together by rigid fixation. The condyle is displaced inferiorly (arrow) in the glenoid fossa with no contact with bone. (B) After the removal of the MMF, the condyle(s) moves superiorly (top arrows) into the glenoid fossa with immediate dental relapse (lower arrows).
the teeth in the planned occlusion and then the rigid fixation removed on the offending side(s). It is less cumbersome and less traumatic on the temporomandibular joints and soft tissues to remove the rigid fixation with the jaws stabilized by MMF. The condyles are now gently positioned into the glenoid fossa with a posterior vector of force using a condylar positioner and superior vector of force applied digitally at the mandibular angle.
Peripheral condylar sag type II Peripheral condylar sag type II occurs when the condyle is correctly positioned in the fossa while MMF is in position and the teeth are in occlusion. However, lateral flexural stress is placed on the proximal segment by the application of unfavorable forces on the bone segments during placement of rigid fixation (application of a bone clamp or lag screws) (Fig. 3). When peripheral condylar sag type II has occurred bilaterally, the bite will be open on both
Fig. 2. The occlusion after central condylar sag. (A) Frontal view of the occlusion: the dental midlines are correct and the bite open anteriorly (arrows). (B, C) Lateral views of the occlusion: in a class II molar (top arrows) and canine relationship and increased overbite (bottom arrows).
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Fig. 3. Peripheral condylar sag type II. A frontolateral view of the glenoid fossa, condyle, the distal and proximal bone segments, and posterior occlusion. (A) Note the bone defect G, and the area of bone contact between the segments C. (B) Rigid fixation forces the segments together and places a torque force on the proximal segment (bottom arrow) and condyle (top arrow) causing a bowing effect B. (C) Once the MMF is removed, the tension on the ramus is released causing the condyle to slide inferiorly and medially (top arrow) on the medial wall of the fossa and a posterior open bite will occur (bottom arrow). The change in the condylar position V is equal to the posterior open bite V. (D) A lateral view of the condyle, glenoid fossa, and the distal and proximal segments. The condyle seems to be correctly positioned in the fossa, however is forced medially (arrows); once the MMF is released (E), the condyle slides downwards (arrows) causing a posterior open bite and an edgeto-edge incisor relationship.
sides posteriorly and the incisor teeth will have an edge-to-edge relationship with the dental midlines coincidental. If peripheral sag has occurred only on 1 side, the bite will be open posteriorly on the offending side, the incisors will be edge to edge on the same side, whereas the lower dental midline will be displaced to the side opposite to the offending side (Fig. 4).2
Treatment The condylar positioning maneuver
should now be repeated as described earlier. Special care should be taken during placement of rigid fixation not to force the bone segments together by clamping or lag screws. The occlusion is again checked on release of MMF.
Maxillary surgery Central condylar sag may also occur after Le Fort I maxillary surgery. After intraoperative removal of MMF, the occlusion is checked in a similar fashion to that described earlier. During the surgical repositioning of the maxilla (with MMF in place), the condyles may be distracted from the glenoid fossa as a result of bony interference at the posterior maxilla. When the teeth are placed in the planned occlusion and MMF applied, the mandible will rotate with the posterior teeth as fulcrum, distracting the condyles inferiorly. Once the MMF is removed, the condyles will return to their normal position, resulting in a class II anterior open bite (Fig. 5).3
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Fig. 4. Unilateral peripheral condylar sag type II of the right condyle. (A) Frontal view of occlusion: the mandibular midline is displaced toward the left (black arrows). The bite opens on the right (white arrow). (B) Right side of the occlusion: an edge-to-edge incisor (right arrow), tendency to a class III molar and canine dental relationship, and posterior open bite (left arrow).
and the MMF left in place to maintain the teeth in the planned occlusion. The maxillomandibular complex should now be rotated closed carefully until first bone contact is observed. The surgeon should be able to detect the area of bony interference at the posterior maxilla. Using a pear-shaped bur, the bone interference can be removed,
preferably from the inferior part (tuberosity region) of the maxilla (see Fig. 5). The process is continued until no resistance is felt and reference marks coincide with the anterior bone contact. Ensure intraoral reference marks are not lost by removing too much bone or bone in the wrong areas. This would jeopardize the planned vertical position of the maxilla. Once satisfied that all the
Fig. 5. Central condylar sag in maxillary surgery. Lateral view of the maxilla, mandible, and temporomandibular joint. (A) Surgery for superior repositioning of the maxilla is planned (arrows). (B) Inadequate bone has been removed at the posterior maxilla (circle). The bone interference at the posterior maxilla prevents rotation of the maxillomandibular complex around a point at the condyle. To achieve bone contact at the anterior maxilla, the maxillomandibular complex is rotated (bottom arrow) around the bone interference (circle), whereas the condyle moves inferiorly (top arrow) in the fossa. (C) Once the MMF is release, the condyles moves superiorly into the glenoid fossa (top arrow), the mandible rotates backward (bottom arrow) in a clockwise direction, with the posterior molars as fulcrum (circle). An anterior open bite and class II dental relationship will result. (D) Common areas for bone interference are at the junction between the pterygoid plates and the tuberosities of the maxilla (circles). (E) The bone interferences should carefully be removed using a large bur.
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bony interferences have been removed, the rigid fixation is replaced. Do not use the same screw holes because this would repeat the error. The MMF is removed and the occlusion checked. Do not accept an incorrect occlusion at this point because it will not improve the next day! policy not to use a final surgical splint, because it is not possible to accurately evaluate the occlusion intraoperatively as well as immediately after surgery with a surgical splint in place. Any occlusal or skeletal discrepancy caused by an inaccurate splint will only become evident once the splint has been removed. In a small percentage of patients, small occlusal discrepancies caused by a poorly fabricated and inaccurate surgical splint may be managed orthodontically. However, unplanned additional orthodontic treatment will add to the treatment time. Once the surgical splint has been removed, the occlusion should be carefully evaluated and, if any discrepancy is identified, the clinician should differentiate between a small dental discrepancy and skeletal discrepancies. If small dental discrepancies are detected, the orthodontist should see the patient as soon as possible. The orthodontist should then establish whether the discrepancy can be managed by orthodontic means alone. The implications should be discussed with the patient. An inaccurate surgical splint may lead to inaccurate surgical repositioning of the jaw(s) or dentoalveolar segments. In these cases, the malalignment should be corrected surgically.
the MMF with the teeth in the planned occlusion. The rigid fixation can now be replaced taking care not to apply any lateral forces on the bone. Avoid using the same screw holes. Keep in mind that self-tapping screws only require a rotational force and no pushing forces. Maxillary surgery The maxilla may be displaced, leading to a shift in the occlusion by excessive forces during placement of rigid fixation. Inaccurate bending of bone plates may either displace the maxilla (or segments) or place tension on the bone that will only become evident after removal of MMF or the surgical splint. Differentiate the problem from condylar malpositioning.
Treatment Remove the rigid fixation and MMF.
Reposition the teeth into the planned occlusion and reapply MMF. Check the accuracy of the bone plates and, if necessary, rebend the plates to fit snugly on the bone. The bone screws can now be carefully replaced. Avoid the previous holes drilled into the bone.
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by orthodontic means alone; however, attempts to correct larger occlusal discrepancies with interocclusal elastics will increase the load on the condyle(s), which may result in condylar resorption. Large discrepancies should be corrected by reoperation.
Fig. 6. A class II and anterior open bite as a result of central condylar sag is shown on the postoperative lateral cephalometric radiograph. The lower incisors moves downward (right arrow) and the mandible backward (left arrow) as a result of the condyles settling superiorly into the glenoid fossa.
to have the problem corrected as soon as possible after it is identified. Orthognathic records, photographs of the occlusion, and radiographs should again be obtained. It is impractical and unnecessary to have dental models redone. It is hoped that the original dental casts will still be available as a reference. Under general anesthesia, the teeth are positioned into the planned occlusion and secured by MMF. The osteotomy site(s) are exposed and a mental note is made of the initial amount of mandibular movement by comparing the vertical osteotomy lines between the segments. The rigid fixation is removed and the bone segments gently separated using a periosteal elevator. If the correction is performed within the first 2 to 4 weeks after the primary surgery, the segments will separate easily. However, separation after a longer period of time may require an osteotome. Ensure that the proximal segment can be moved posteriorly without interference, and carefully position the condyle into the glenoid fossa as discussed earlier. Note the amount of mandibular movement again at the vertical osteotomy lines. It should be different to before separation. No difference will indicate that the condylar repositioning was not successful. The MMF is now removed and the occlusion carefully checked.
mobility is slight and the occlusal discrepancy small, the segments can by immobilized by means of MMF or tight interarch elastics for 2 to 4 weeks. If intersegmental mobility and occlusal discrepancy are severe, the only method of correction is to replace the fixation surgically. For these cases, correction should take place as soon as possible. The sagittal split is repeated after removal of fixation, as previously described. Identify the reason
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Fig. 7. (A) A lateral cephalometric radiograph of a patient with a class II malocclusion requiring mandibular advancement. (B) A postoperative radiograph of the patient in (A). A class III anterior open bite has developed as a result of failure of the rigid fixation (arrow). (C) A postoperative panoramic radiograph of the patient in (A) showing the rotation of the proximal segments (arrows).
for failure to prevent a repetition of the problem. Failure of bicortical fixation may be caused by: (1) inadequate length of the screws, (2) inadequate number of screws, (3) poor configuration of the screws (if a bone plate is used the plate may be too short with inadequate screws), and (4) following an unfavorable split, the bone contact may be inadequate. Ensure correct replacement of the fixation and check the occlusion. Maxillary surgery Mobility of the maxilla is usually evident at the first postoperative evaluation. A change from the planned occlusion is seen and, when the patient occludes, mobility of the maxilla or maxillary segment will be observed.
mobility can be treated by the placement of MMF or tight interarch elastics for 2 to 4 weeks and ensuring that the patient remains on a soft diet. Severe bilateral mobility should be corrected by reoperation and repeat of rigid fixation. Chin surgery The chin segment is usually fixated by means of tricortical screws or bone plates after repositioning. Inadequate fixation will lead to mobility of the segment as a result of forces from the suprahyoid muscles. A sudden postoperative change in chin esthetics, loss of labiomental fold, shortening of the chin-throat length, and pain are typical signs of failure of internal fixation. This
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traoral incision. Remove the fixation (screws or bone plates) and identify the reason for failure. Place the chin segment in the planned position and replace adequate rigid fixation.
Neuromuscular Relapse
Mandibular surgery Mandibular relapse after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy has been the topic of study for many years and was until recently considered one of the common complications associated with this procedure.6e8 However, with the introduction of internal rigid fixation, more predictable results have been achieved.5 Various treatment methods have been implemented to prevent skeletal relapse, such as overcorrection, suprahyoid muscle detachment, medial pterygoid and stylomandibular ligament detachment, prolonged MMF, and a variety of methods of fixation.9 Reports in the literature identify 3 main soft tissue factors that may influence the skeletal stability after surgery: (1) neuromuscular adaptation, (2) stretching of soft tissue, and (3) alteration of the muscle orientation.8 These factors are important when large skeletal movements are performed, inadequate muscle stripping has been done, or as a result of poor proximal segment control.
Treatment Any attempt to control the potential
1. Maxillary expansion.8,10 Stretching of the soft tissue of the hard palate plays a major role in stability after segmental expansion of the maxilla. The firm palatal soft tissue tends to resist expansional forces during surgery. In addition, postoperative scarring of the palatal soft tissue may be an important factor causing transverse relapse in the long-term. 2. Surgical advancement of the maxilla and/or expansion in patients with cleft lip and palate. Patients with cleft lip and palate have often had several surgical procedures for the correction of the lip and hard and soft tissue defects at a younger age. Each procedure will have caused scaring of the soft tissues. Correction of the occlusion by means of a Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy is usually one of the last corrective procedures to be performed. The fibrous tissue will not only resist maxillary advancement and/or expansion during surgery but will significantly reduce postoperative stability.
Treatment Adequate subperiosteal dissection or
relapse with tight elastics or MMF carries a poor prognosis. The skeletal changes should not be followed by orthodontic compromise. Although a short-term improvement may be achieved by orthodontic tooth movement, the result is seldom stable in the long-term. In most cases, reoperation is required after careful assessment of the cause of relapse. Surgical correction should address the problem areas. First establish possible reasons for poor neuromuscular adaptation, for example: (1) failure to strip muscles from repositioned bone causing muscle interference at the time of first surgery. During reoperation, special care should be given to adequate stripping of muscles to ensure free repositioning of the jaws. (2) Large skeletal movements leading to stretching of the musculature. The surgical design may have to be altered to prevent large repositioning of the jaws (ie, bimaxillary surgery instead of single-jaw surgery). Maxillary surgery The 2 most unstable orthognathic surgical procedures are:
even incision of the palatal soft tissue is recommended to release the tension for cases requiring large expansion. However, maintaining adequate blood supply to the segments is mandatory, especially in patients with cleft palate. Ensure that the nasal mucosa is intact when incising the palatal mucosa. Postoperative control by means of a surgical splint followed by orthodontic control of the transverse dimension is mandatory for stability. These principles should be adhered to when a second procedure is performed. Transverse palatal distraction (surgically assisted expansion) may also be considered when a second procedure is indicated.11,12
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of dentofacial anomalies will be largely surgical in nature. There is a danger that, if surgery is performed before skeletal maturity has been obtained, continued facial growth will necessitate reoperation. It is mandatory that the family of the patient and other attending physicians be made aware of the possibility of a second corrective procedure once skeletal maturity has been obtained. There are circumstances when surgery is recommended for patients with an immature skeleton.15 For patients with poor self-image, especially in young developing girls, or patients with severe functional problems, the advantages of early surgical intervention may outweigh the risks of waiting. Growing patients undergoing surgery should be aware of the possibility that a second corrective procedure may be required at a later stage (Fig. 8). The exact point at which facial growth is complete is impossible to determine. A combination of indicators, such as the hand/wrist radiograph (to determine the epiphyseal closure), serial cephalometric radiographs (6 months apart), or skeletal scintigraphy (technetium 99m), are useful tools, but are not a guarantee that no further growth can occur. There is a distinction between prolonged excessive mandibular growth and early cessation of maxillary growth. The clinician should be aware that, if the problem is in the maxilla, surgery for the correction of maxillary anteroposterior deficiency can be performed earlier. A class III malocclusion will be the result of one of the following skeletal malrelationships: (1) anteroposterior mandibular excess (mandibular prognathism), (2) anteroposterior maxillary deficiency, (3) vertical maxillary deficiency, and (4) a combination of
Fig. 8. (A) A lateral view of a 13-year-old patient with a severe class III occlusion as a result of maxillary anteroposterior deficiency and mandibular anteroposterior excess. (B) The presurgical class III occlusion, (C) the immediate postoperative occlusion, (D) the slight occlusal relapse as result of postoperative mandibular growth 18 months after surgery, and (E) the occlusion 3 years after surgery.
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correction of this deformity: 1. Ensure that the resorption process is inactive. A technetium 99m bone scan will assist in establishing the bone activity in the condyle. The occlusion should be stable for a minimum of 1 year. 2. Treat the deformity in such a way that the condyles are not loaded, for example by avoiding lengthening the posterior height of the mandible, large mandibular advancements, and being gentle during condylar positioning. Posttreatment stability of the occlusion in these patients treated by means of orthognathic surgery may be unpredictable. Further consideration may be given to superior distraction osteogenesis of the condylar stump or replacement of the mandibular condyle by a total-joint temporomandibular
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Fig. 9. The 24-year-old patient who had a perfect bite started to develop an anterior open bite at the age of 18 years, 3 years after orthodontic treatment. (A) Profile view showing the increased lower facial height as a result of clockwise rotation of the mandible. (B) The severe class II anterior open bite as result of bilateral shortening of the condyles. (C, D) Tomograms of the right and left condyles showing the severe shortening of the condyles as a result of resorbtion (arrows).
sag type I occurs when lateral forces are applied to the mandibular condyle during placement of rigid
fixation, causing the condyles to slide inferiorly but to maintain contact with the glenoid fossa laterally (Fig. 10).1 The bone contact between the condyle and the fossa provides stability to the occlusion, and the problem can therefore not be identified at the time of surgery. It is more likely
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Fig. 10. Peripheral condylar sag type I. (A) The condyle is forced medially and slides inferiorly on the medial wall of the fossa during placement of rigid fixation. The problem cannot be identified because the condyle-fossa contact provides physical support to the occlusion after removal of MMF. (B) Condylar resorption in the contact area will lead to superior movement of the condyle, which will later cause posterior relapse of the mandible.
to occur in cases in which bicortical screw fixation is used, because there is often a tendency for the surgeon to attempt better bone contact between the proximal and distal segments by forcing them closer together. These patients often experience immediate postoperative pain over the temporomandibular joint area on the offending side(s). This problem only becomes apparent several weeks or months after surgery when resorption of the lateral poles (the contact areas) of the condyle occurs (see Fig. 10). This resorption will cause the condyle to slide superiorly into the fossa, causing the mandible to relapse posteriorly (on the offending side). Modern imaging techniques, such as cone beam scanning, may allow the identification of the condylar resorption, especially on the anteroposterior views in which lateral resorption will be evident. The resorption occurs more on the lateral pole and less on the superior aspect of the condylar surface. Presumably, once the load on the condyle is removed, the resorption process should cease. It is therefore recommended that the problem be corrected as soon as a diagnosis is made.
Treatment The complication should not be cor-
between the bony segments should be maintained during placement of the rigid fixation and, where required, the defect should be grafted. Remove the MMF and check the occlusion.
Neuromuscular relapse
Mandibular surgery Relapse as a result of neuro-
muscular influences in response to the repositioning of the jaws may only become apparent weeks, or even months, after surgery. Inadequate stripping of muscle attachments to the mandible may cause stretching of the muscles or the muscles themselves may interfere with surgical repositioning (medial pterygoid and stylomandibular ligament attachments on the medial aspect of the mandibular angle).20 Incorrect positioning of the proximal mandibular segment (clockwise or counterclockwise rotation) will change the orientation of the masseter muscle fibers, which may lead to skeletal relapse and malocclusion. A clockwise rotation of the proximal segment usually occurs with mandibular setback procedures, whereas counterclockwise rotations will occur more often with mandibular advancement procedures.
Treatment Inadequate stripping of muscles and
rected by orthodontic treatment. The sagittal split osteotomy is repeated on the offending side after removal of the rigid fixation. Special care is taken not to apply any lateral force to the proximal segment either with a bone clamp or lag screws that may force the segments together. Any gap
ligamentous attachments may stretch the muscles and ligamentous attachment to the mandible. These patients may need reoperation to correct the occlusion through correct positioning of the proximal segment and adequate stripping of muscular and ligamentous attachments.
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Maxillary surgery Transverse relapse The surgeon should ensure
that the posterior teeth have not been orthodontically expanded beyond the bony base before surgery in an attempt to close an anterior open bite by means of orthodontics. Transverse relapse requiring reoperation often only becomes apparent several weeks or months after surgery. Transverse relapse may present with lateral crossbites, an edge-to-edge incisor relationship that may further deteriorate to an anterior open bite (Fig. 11). Postoperative orthodontic control is mandatory after surgical expansion of the maxilla by means of a continuous arch wire, through the bite elastics or a palatal bar.
Anteroposterior relapse When maxillary anteroposterior relapse occur an edge-to-edge or class III dental relationship with anterior and/or lateral cross bites will develop.21 Nonunion of the maxilla may occur after large maxillary advancement procedures and will have a strong tendency to relapse. It is advisable to ensure adequate bone
contact and improved stability by the placement of bone grafts into bone defects and by using adequate rigid fixation. Patients not adhering to the prescribed soft diet after surgery may also be at risk to develop nonunion of the maxilla after surgery.
Vertical relapse Maxillary downgraft procedures are considered to be among the most unstable of all orthognathic procedures.8 The loss of surgically created maxillary height after maxillary downgrafting procedures is believed to occur as a result of the action of the muscles of mastication (especially temporalis and masseter) and encroachment of the freeway space. The amount of vertical increase of the maxilla, and also the type of interpositional bone grafting material, may influence the postoperative stability; however, the use of rigid fixation has improved long-term stability.22 Treatment Transverse relapse Establish whether relapse is
Fig. 11. The treatment of the patient with a severe class III anterior open bite malocclusion consisted of superior repositioning and expansion of the maxilla by means of a 3-piece Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy and setback of the mandible by means of a bilateral sagittal split mandibular ramus osteotomy. (A) Frontal view, (B) profile view, and (C) preoperative occlusion. Posttreatment: (D) frontal view, (E) profile view, and (F) occlusion. The postoperative transverse relapse and development of an edge-to-edge incisor relationship, especially on the right (circle) are evident.
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with the best intentions, they sometimes do occur. Although some of these problems may be diagnosed early in the healing phase, they can only be critically evaluated and should be corrected only when all the swelling has disappeared. Soft tissue esthetics
Nasal esthetics During maxillary superior reposi-
tioning or advancement procedures, inadequate control of the nasal septum during a Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy will result in buckling of the nasal septum and asymmetry of the columella (Fig. 12).23 Widening of the alar bases and tipping up of the nasal tip may occur because of inadequate contouring of the piriform rims and anterior nasal floor during maxillary superior repositioning and/or advancement. Creation of adequate nasal volume through contouring of the bone is critical to avoid this complication (Fig. 13).23,24 An excessively prominent anterior nasal spine (anterior and/or superior) will tend to tip the nasal tip upwards, cause asymmetry of the columella, and increase the nasolabial angle. Potential esthetic problems can be avoided by shortening the anterior nasal spine when indicated.
Treatment Unacceptable nasal esthetics should
be corrected once the clinician is convinced that postoperative swelling has subsided. Corrections of the problems are as follows: Trimming of the nasal septum and control of the septum by means of a suture placed through the septum and a hole made through the anterior nasal spine Contouring of the piriform rim and use of a cinch suture to narrow the alar base Trimming of the anterior nasal spine. These procedures are usually performed through the Le Fort I incision, but can also be performed through a closed rhinoplasty incision.
Midface esthetics The accurate and careful reap-
proximation of the submucosal soft tissue including the mimic muscles after the Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy will avoid the development of chubby cherub cheeks and/or asymmetry between the left and right sides of the midface.
Treatment Once the soft tissues have healed and
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Fig. 12. (A) The nasal septum has buckled (circle and arrow) as a result of poor nasal septum control during superior repositioning of the maxilla. (B) The symmetry of the nasal columella is restored through a closed rhinoplasty approach.
the signature of the surgeon on his work and is equally as important and demanding as repositioning of the jaws. Varying degrees of esthetic changes may occur after maxillary surgery and inadequate soft tissue management. Lip thinning and/or shortening with reduced lip pout may be
Fig. 13. (A) The alar width of the patient is normal before surgery. (B) A large maxillary advancement and inadequate control of the alar width of the nose lead to an unesthetic widening of the alar base after surgery.
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in poor lower lip and chin esthetics (Fig. 14). A mucosal incision is made followed by a subperiosteal dissection. The mentalis muscles are then carefully dissected from the mucosal layer and reapproximated followed by symmetric suturing of the mucosa. Place the midline suture first and carefully align it with the dental and facial midline. Hard tissue esthetics
Facial asymmetry The accurate correction of
a facial asymmetry is extremely challenging, and all patients undergoing such attempts at correction should be warned that no facial features are truly symmetric. Therefore, correction of an asymmetric face can never achieve symmetry.
Dental midlines Malalignment of the dental midlines with the opposite jaw or facial midline is of one of the most common surgical errors. When single jaw surgery is performed, the responsibility of ensuring that the midline of the unoperated jaw corresponds with the facial midline rests with the orthodontist because the operated jaw will be aligned with the prepared unoperated jaw at surgery. If the midline is then not coincidental, the postoperative orthodontic correction may be complicated or, often, not possible. This discrepancy may then require correction by reoperation. When double-jaw surgery is performed, dental midline alignment to the midline of the face is the responsibility of the surgeon. It is
a Le Fort I osteotomy, but only extended to the first bicuspid. Should the submucosal tissue require realignment, an incision is made down to the periosteum and the submucosal tissues elevated from the bone. The perioral muscles should be dissected from the mucosal layer and then resutured symmetrically. If a V-Y suture is required, it is placed first in the center of the lip and then aligned with the dental and facial midlines. The upper lip closure is then completed by suturing from lateral to medial.
Lower lip Excessive muscle stripping during subperiosteal dissection, failure to accurately reapproximate the mentalis muscles, and/or inaccurate mucosal suturing after genioplasty will result
Fig. 14. (A) The postoperative result after genioplasty. Inadequate suturing of the mentalis muscles has resulted in shortening of the lower lip, exposure of the lower incisor teeth, poor chin shape, and unesthetic chin contour. (B) The severe lower lip strain in an attempt to create lip seal is evident.
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particularly disappointing to realize on the day after surgery that the dental midline and facial midline do not coincide.
Correction of an occlusal plane cant Correction of
a transverse occlusal plane cant is often an integral part of the overall correction of facial asymmetry. However, there is often a tendency to undercorrect this problem, limiting the surgical outcome. Reoperation is indicated when the transverse occlusal plane cant is significant after surgery.
Posterior facial asymmetry Posterior facial asym-
also have noticed that the esthetic treatment objectives have not been achieved. The exact nature of the patients dissatisfaction should be established and the postoperative result carefully scrutinized. It is recommended that new orthognathic records be obtained, and the postoperative result evaluated and compared with the preoperative esthetic treatment objectives. Possible reasons for this complication should be identified and corrective measures instigated with the consent of the patient.
Vertical problems Overcorrection of vertical maxillary excess is possibly the most common postoperative esthetic complication when a Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy is performed. Excessive superior repositioning of the maxilla will leave the patient with an edentulous appearance and poor lip support that will worsen in time. Treatment The corrective surgical measure will
metry may occur after surgical correction of mandibular asymmetry. Inadequate transverse control of the proximal mandibular segments after rotation of the distal segment may result in a unilateral prominence at the mandibular angle: the socalled swelling that never goes away. Once the swelling has subsided and the asymmetry is evident at the mandibular angle areas, the skeletal prominence should be evaluated by means of a posteroanterior cephalometric radiograph or computed tomography scan. Small skeletal discrepancies can be corrected by intraoral contouring of the bone, whereas larger asymmetric discrepancies require a repeat of the bilateral sagittal split osteotomies, taking special care to control the transverse positioning of the proximal segments.
Chin asymmetry The chin forms an important and
SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
Before reoperating, the surgeon should have a clear idea of the reason(s) for the failure of the initial procedure, and the surgical treatment plan should focus on the specific correction of the problem.
conspicuous part of facial esthetics, and postoperative chin asymmetry will certainly be noticeable and a possible source of patient dissatisfaction. Correction of chin asymmetry is usually performed last during the surgical procedure and requires accurate presurgical assessment, planning, and surgical technique. Poor chin symmetry often stems from failure to address a cant at the lower border of the mandible in the mental area. Postoperative chin asymmetry should be corrected surgically.
Anteroposterior problems Unsatisfactory facial
profile esthetics may result from incorrect orthodontic and/or surgical treatment planning, but may also result from inaccurate execution of the treatment plan. Critical evaluation of the postoperative facial esthetics should only take place once all the swelling has subsided. Patients with unrealistic expectations may voice their dissatisfaction with the surgical outcome (often immediately after surgery) and will need consultation and explanation. Reoperation in these instances will often be counterproductive. In some cases, the patient will have legitimate concerns regarding the esthetic outcome. At this stage, the surgeon would
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REFERENCES
1. Arnett GW, Tamborello JA, Rathbone JA. Temporomandibular joint ramifications of orthognathic surgery. In: Bell WH, editor. Modern practice in orthognathic and reconstructive surgery. 1st edition. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1992. p. 523e33. 2. Reyneke JP, Ferretti C. Intraoperative diagnosis of condylar sag after bilateral sagittal ramus split osteotomy. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2002;40(4): 285e92. 3. Reyneke JP. Intraoperative diagnosis of condylar sag after Le Fort I osteotomy (chapter 5). In: Reyneke JP, editor. Essentials of orthognathic surgery. 1st edition. Chicago: Quintessence; 2003. p. 304e7. 4. Stroster TG, Pangrazio-Kulberch V. Assessment of condylar position following bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy with wire fixation or rigid fixation. Int J Adult Orthodon Orthognath Surg 1994;9:55e63. 5. Watzke IM, Turvey TA, Phillips C, et al. Stability of mandibular advancement after sagittal osteotomy with screw or wire fixation: a comparative study. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1990;48:108e21. 6. Schendel SA, Epker BN. Results after mandibular advancement surgery: an analysis of 87 cases. J Oral Surg 1980;38:265e82. 7. Costa F, Robiony M, Politi M. Stability of sagittal split ramus osteotomy used to correct class III malocclusion: review of the literature. Int J Adult Orthodon Orthognath Surg 2001;16:121e9. 8. Proffit WR, Turvey TA, Phillips C. Orthognathic surgery: a hierarchy of stability. Int J Adult Orthodon Orthognath Surg 1996;11:19e204. 9. Van Sickels JE, Tiner BD, Keeling SD, et al. Condylar position with rigid fixation versus wire osteosynthesis of a sagittal split advancement. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1999;57:31e4. 10. Jacobs JD, Bell WH, Williams CE, et al. Control of the transverse dimension with surgery and orthodontics. Am J Orthod 1980;77(3):284e306. 11. Koudstaal MJ, Poort LJ, van der Wal KGH, et al. Surgical assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME): a review the literature. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2005;34:709e14. 12. Mommaerts MY. Transpalatal distraction as a method of maxillary expansion. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1999;37:268e72. 13. Enlow GH, Facial growth. 3rd edition. Philadelphia: Saunders; 1990. p. 193e221. Chapter 6.
Genioplasty
Early correction Once the bone and internal rigid fixation are exposed, the cause for reoperation is identified and corrected. Replace the fixation avoiding the screw holes of the previous fixation. Late correction Removal of the rigid fixation is often not possible if the genioplasty procedure was performed a long time previously. Bone integration with titanium fixation or bone covering the screws and/or plates will force the surgeon to cut through the plates or screws using a diamond bur.
SUMMARY
Orthognathic surgery provides the orthodontist and surgeon with an effective and dynamic means to correct dentofacial deformities whether they are developmental, posttraumatic, or congenital in nature. Complications may occur at any stage, or multiple stages, of care, from the initial diagnosis to the treatment planning, orthodontic treatment,
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Reyneke
14. Turvey TA, Simmons K. Orthognathic surgery before completion of growth. In: Fonseca RJ, Betts NJ, Turvey TA, editors. Orthognathic surgery, vol. 2. 1st edition. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2000. p. 535e49. Chapter 26. 15. Reyneke JP. Mandibular anteroposterior excess (chapter 4). In: Reyneke JP, editor. Essentials of orthognathic surgery. 1st edition. Chicago: Quintessence; 2003. p. 171e5. 16. Huang YL, Pogrel MA, Kaban LB. Diagnosis and management of condylar resorption. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1997;55:114e9. 17. Posnick JC, Fantuzzo JJ. Idiopathic condylar resorption. Current clinical perspectives. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2007;65:1617e23. 18. Schendel SA, Tulasne J, Linck DW. Idiopathic condylar resorption and micrognathia: the case for distraction osteogenesis. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2007;65:1610e6. 19. Reyneke JP. The bilateral sagittal split mandibular ramus osteotomy-surgical manual. 2nd edition. Jacksonville (FL): Biomet Micro Fixation; 2006. 20. Reyneke JP, Ferretti C. Anterior open bite correction by Le Fort I or bilateral sagittal split osteotomy. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am 2007;19(3):321e38. 21. Dowling PA, Espeland L, Sandvic L, et al. Le Fort I maxillary advancement: 3-year stability and risk factors for relapse. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2005;128:560e7. 22. Wardrop RW, Wolford LM. Maxillary stability following down-graft and/or advancement procedures with stabilization using rigid fixation and porous block hydroxyapatite implants. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1989;47:336. 23. Reyneke JP. The Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy surgical manual. Jacksonville (FL): Biomet Micro Fixation; 2006. 24. Jensen AC, Sinclair PM, Wolford LM. Soft tissue changes associated with double jaw surgery. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 1992;1101:266e75. 25. Timmes DP, Larsen AJ, Van Sickels JE. Labial morphology following Le Fort I osteotomy and V-Y closure. J Dent Res 1986;65:350e1. 26. Talebzadeh N, Pogrel MA. Upper lip length after V-Y versus continuous closure for Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2000;90:144e6. 27. Reyneke JP. The sliding genioplasty - surgical manual. 2nd edition. Jacksonville (FL): Biomet Micro Fixation; 2007.