A 3-Dimensional Analysis of Nasal Cavity Volume After Maxillary Le Fort I Osteotomy.

PURPOSE: Two- and 3-dimensional studies on changes of the pharyngeal airway after a Le Fort I osteotomy have been conducted, but there are few studies on the change of nasal structure. The nasal cavity is the first passage through which air enters during respiration. Movement of the maxilla by Le Fort I osteotomy affects the shape of the nasal cavity and the shape of other parts of the airway. This study compared preoperative and postoperative changes of the nasal cavity volume after a maxillary Le Fort I osteotomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pre- and postoperative computed tomograms of 32 patients were assessed for nasal cavity volume according to the direction of maxillary movement.

RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (22 men and 10 women) were classified according to the direction of maxillary movement: maxillary impaction (group I; 8 men and 6 women) and maxillary impaction and advancement (group II; 14 men and 4 women). Nasal cavity volume was markedly decreased after the Le Fort I osteotomy in groups I and II. Group I showed a positive correlation between the ratio of impaction and the ratio of volume difference. Group II showed no correlation between the ratio of impaction or advancement and the ratio of volume difference.

CONCLUSION: Impaction and advancement of the maxilla decreased nasal volume.