The relationship of rapid maxillary expansion to surgery with special reference to midpalatal synostosis.

This study is a multi-disciplinary approach to the regulation of the maxillary width in adults, based on published histological evidence of midpalatal synostosis and the analysis of nine cases. The treatment involves the maximal use of rapid expansion for movement with the minimal surgical intervention to free maxillae. The results provide a modus operandi for oral surgeon/orthodontist association with a three-stage series of age-related incremental surgical procedures to meet the resistance to maxillary separation and a tie-up with orthognathic surgery. It seems unnecessary to intervene surgically to free the maxillae under 25 years of age. Stage 1 applies between 25 and 30 years, Stage 2 between 30 and 40 years, and Stage 3 between 40 and 50 years. Attention is drawn to the respiratory improvement following these technics.