Le Fort III osteotomic variants.

Introduction: Midface hypoplasia is a skeletal defect involving all three space planes, hence needing a three-dimensional repositioning. This research study shows two cases of cranio-facial dysostosis, on which two Le Fort III variants were performed.

Case Report: In the first case we report the performing the two types of osteotomy simultaneously. Le Fort I, however, has been performed without any pterygomaxillary disjunctions, thus accomplishing a complete midface mobilization without any variation of the occlusal ratios. In the second case a modified Le Fort III osteotomy has been performed with median disjunction; reduction of the transverse interdacryal diameters and of the pyriform opening.

Discussion: Among all osteotomic variants we would like to mention the one introduced by Obwegeser in 1969 where, in patients with acceptable dental occlusal ratios, Le Fort III and Le Fort I have been performed in conjunction. This technique allows a different midface and dental occlusion repositioning.

Conclusions: In adult patients with permanent dentition and normal occlusal ratios this technique may be chosen for a midface advancement without compromising the dento-skeletal relations, in order to achieve the best functional and aesthetical results.