Which osteotomy is often used to treat VME in adults?

The Le Fort I osteotomy is commonly employed to address vertical maxillary excess (VME) in adults. This surgical procedure involves the horizontal osteotomy of the maxilla, allowing for repositioning of the bone. In cases of VME, the maxilla is positioned higher than normal, which can result in esthetic concerns as well as functional issues such as difficulties with occlusion and speech.

By performing a Le Fort I osteotomy, the upper jaw can be repositioned downwards to achieve better facial harmony and proper occlusion. This technique allows for both horizontal and vertical repositioning of the maxilla, providing a versatile approach to correct various discrepancies associated with VME. The ability to modify the vertical position of the maxilla is particularly important in these cases, making the Le Fort I osteotomy a preferred choice for surgical correction.

Other procedures like:

• Mandibular osteotomy primarily addresses issues in the lower jaw.
• Sagittal split osteotomy is typically used for mandibular advancements or setbacks, not maxillary concerns.
• Hemi-maxillary osteotomy involves removing a portion of the maxilla and may not directly address the symptoms of VME.

Thus, the Le Fort I osteotomy stands out as the most relevant and effective