Stability of Le Fort I osteotomy with maxillary advancement: a comparison of combined wire fixation and rigid fixation.

PURPOSE: This study compares two types of fixation: intraosseous wires, skeletal suspension wiring, and maxillomandibular fixation (combined wire fixation; CWF) with rigid internal fixation (RIF) in patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy to correct maxillary hypoplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients were operated on by the same surgeon using a standard technique, which included bone grafting. The 12 patients in group A were treated with CWF for 4 weeks. Group B was made up of 13 patients who had RIF and training elastics for 4 weeks. Cephalometric analysis using a commercial software package was performed on radiographs that were taken immediately preoperatively (T1), 1 day postoperatively (T2), and at least 1 year postoperatively (T4). The position of the maxilla in relation to the cranial base and Frankfort plane at each time interval was compared. RESULTS: Postsurgical horizontal change (maxillary position change from T2 to T4) for both groups was in the posterior direction. In group A, six patients had less than 1 mm change, three had 1 to 2 mm change, and three had > 2 mm change. In group B, 10 patients had less than 1 mm change, three had 1 to 2 mm change and 0 had > 2 mm change. Comparison of mean values of groups A and B suggested improved stability with rigid versus wire fixation in the horizontal plane; however, statistical analysis of adjusted mean values showed no significant difference. Vertical changes in maxillary position were also measured from postoperatively to 1 year (T2 to T4). The vertical changes were minimal in those cases of maxillary advancement where no vertical changes were planned; however, there was a statistically significant (P = .0024) improved stability with RIF versus combined wire fixation cases. Comparison of adjusted means showed double the amount of vertical setting 1 year postoperatively in the CWF group. CONCLUSION: Overall, 22 of 25 patients with horizontal maxillary advancement had excellent stability at 1 year. Observed trends suggest that RIF may have improved stability over CWF.