Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the parameters of pterygomaxillary suture (PMS), including thickness, height, and angulation, using computed tomography (CT) scans to enhance surgical precision and maximize the safety of patients during Le Fort I osteotomy.
Materials and Methods: Computed tomography was performed to analyze both sides of the face in 100 Taiwanese patients (50 males and 50 females) aged 18–50 years. They were recruited randomly from our database and met the inclusion criteria of age, absence of jaw lesions, and no previous facial trauma or surgery. The thickness, height, and angulation of pterygomaxillary sutures (PMS) were assessed.
Results: The PMS thickness was significantly greater in males (7.76 ± 1.7 mm) than in females (6.96 ± 1.46 mm) (P = .0002), but no significant differences were observed between sides or ages. PMS height was greater in females (8.9 ± 2.0 mm) than in males (8.02 ± 2.21 mm) (P = .0011), but no significant differences were observed between sides or ages. The angulation of PMS was significantly greater on the right side (62.84 ± 4.64°) than on the left side (61.19 ± 5.2°) (P = .016), but no significant age- or sex-related differences were observed.
Conclusion: Anatomical variations in PMS regarding height, thickness, and angulation were observed between the sexes. Preoperative computed tomographic evaluation is crucial for ensuring the safety of orthognathic surgery.
Clinical Relevance: This study identified variations in PMS among different groups, which can assist surgeons in achieving better safety and precision in the disarticulation of PMS.