Análise morfométrica em crânios secos aplicada à osteotomia do tipo Le Fort I com disjunção da sutura pterigomaxilar

Abstract

Introduction: Le Fort I osteotomy is a surgical technique widely used to correct occlusal- dental deformities of the midface, as well as to access tumors or complex fractures. Although this technique is common and relatively safe, complications such as vascular injuries and unwanted bone fractures can occur. Anatomical knowledge of the region is essential to reduce risks during the surgical procedure. Objective: To perform morphometric analysis, in dry skulls, of the structures related to Le Fort I osteotomy with pterygomaxillary disjunction. Methodology: This is an observational and quantitative study, based on macroscopic analysis of dry human skulls from the collection of the Department of Morphology of the Federal University of Paraíba - UFPB. The sample included 39 skulls that did not present defects or fractures in the regions analyzed. Initially, the sex of the skulls was determined through qualitative analysis by sexual estimation parameters. The morphometric measurements of the pterygomaxillary suture, lateral wall of the nasal cavity and bony nasal septum were obtained using a digital caliper and dry-point compass. Data analysis was performed using the STATA software, based on descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Of the skulls analyzed, 38.46% (n = 15) were female and 61.54% (n = 24) were male, with 58.97% (n = 23) presenting complete union of the pterygoid plates to the maxillary tuberosity and 41.03% (n = 16) partial union. In the analysis of the adopted measurements, there was no significant difference between the antimeres (p > 0.05). However, the distance from the pterygomaxillary suture to the zygomatic pillar and the extension of the lateral wall of the nasal cavity were significantly greater in the probably male skulls on both sides (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study characterized anatomical parameters for better surgical precision, highlighting differences in craniometric measurements, thus contributing to the anatomical knowledge of the structures involved in the Le Fort I osteotomy technique.