D T Lanigan1, J Loewy. 1. University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the type of pterygomaxillary separation that occurs with use of a micro-oscillating saw. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients underwent a postoperative computed tomography scan. RESULTS: Ideal or near-ideal separations occurred on 26 of 32 sides (81%), while low-level fractures occurred in 6 of 32 sides (19%). No high-level fractures of the pterygoid plates, or fractures extending to the base of the skull or orbit, were seen. There was a striking difference in the number of ideal separations on the right-hand side (94%), compared with the left-hand side (50%), probably because of the greater difficulty of a right-handed surgeon positioning the saw blade correctly on the left side without bending the thin flexible saw blade backward. CONCLUSION: In view of the high percentage of ideal pterygomaxillary separations achieved using a micro-oscillating saw, and the absence of high-level pterygoid plate fractures extending to the base of the skull, this technique is recommended for the pterygomaxillary dysjunction.
PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the type of pterygomaxillary separation that occurs with use of a micro-oscillating saw. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients underwent a postoperative computed tomography scan. RESULTS: Ideal or near-ideal separations occurred on 26 of 32 sides (81%), while low-level fractures occurred in 6 of 32 sides (19%). No high-level fractures of the pterygoid plates, or fractures extending to the base of the skull or orbit, were seen. There was a striking difference in the number of ideal separations on the right-hand side (94%), compared with the left-hand side (50%), probably because of the greater difficulty of a right-handed surgeon positioning the saw blade correctly on the left side without bending the thin flexible saw blade backward. CONCLUSION: In view of the high percentage of ideal pterygomaxillary separations achieved using a micro-oscillating saw, and the absence of high-level pterygoid plate fractures extending to the base of the skull, this technique is recommended for the pterygomaxillary dysjunction.
Authors: Carl-Peter Cornelius; Laurent Audigé; Christoph Kunz; Carlos H Buitrago-Téllez; Randal Rudderman; Joachim Prein Journal: Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr Date: 2014-12