Nasal airway changes after maxillary advancement following Le Fort I osteotomy

Objective: To assess the nasal airway changes after maxillary advancement following Le Fort I osteotomy.

Methods: 13 cases with class III malocclusion, aged 18-35 years old, were studied prospectively. All the patients underwent Le Fort I osteotomy and maxillary advancement. Rhinological inspectrum, acoustic rhinometry (AR) were performed before operation, 3 and 6 months after operation. The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale was also completed by 13 patients before and after operation. SPSS was used for statistical assay.

Results: AR assessment showed that NAR was (1.189 +/- 0.38) cm H2O/L/mi, (1.081 +/- 0.43) cm H2O/L/mi and (1.111 +/- 0.40) cm H2O/L/mi before operation, 3 and 6 months after operation; NV was (14.920 +/- 1.95) ml, (16.380 +/- 4.32) ml and (15.660 +/- 4.25) ml; and MCA was (0.500 +/- 0.09) cm2, (0.570 +/- 0.15) cm2 and (0.560 +/- 0.14) cm2, respectively. However, no significant improvement was showed. For the whole cohort, significant improvement in nasal breathing was documented (by NOSE scores) at 6 months after surgery.

Conclusions: Le Fort I osteotomy with maxillary advancement doesn't cause bad effect on nasal airways in patients with maxillary dysplasia. And the combination of objective (AR) and subjective (NOSE scale) assessment can better evaluate of the structure and function of the nose.