A novel design of a computer-generated splint for vertical repositioning of the maxilla after Le Fort I osteotomy

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a novel tooth/bony-supported virtual splint design to control the maxillary vertical, rotational, and anteroposterior intraoperative movements.

Study design: A tooth/bone-borne splint was designed to position the osteotomized maxilla intraoperatively. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained 1 week before the operation and 1 week after to compare the planned and actual movements of the maxilla.

Results: The paired t test showed no significant difference between the planned and actual movements in both the vertical and horizontal measurements (P ≤ .05). The difference between the planned and actual horizontal movements in 4 (66.7%) of the 6 patients was 1 mm or less. For the vertical movements, 5 (83.3%) of the 6 patients showed a difference equal to or less than 1 mm.

Conclusions: The 2-piece surgical stent showed accurate control on the osteotomized maxilla and succeeded its repositioning to the preplanned positions.