Impact of the Different Types of le Fort i Maxillary Surgical Movement on Nasal Width Changes: A Photogrammetric Analysis

Background Le Fort I maxillary movements affect nasal width, but nasal width changes with specific movement types have not been formally addressed to date. Objectives The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the changes in nasal width with different maxillary movements. Methods A retrospective study was performed among consecutive patients who underwent bimaxillary orthognathic surgery (n = 138) and who were grouped based on the type of maxillary movement (ie, maxillary advancement with intrusion [MAI], maxillary advancement with extrusion [MAE], and maxillary setback with intrusion [MSI]). Preoperative and 12-month postoperative nasal widths were analyzed photogrammetrically by 2 blinded evaluators. Results Maxillary advancement with intrusion and MAE presented a significantly (P < 0.05) higher alar base widening than MSI did, with no significant (P > 0.05) differences between MAI and MAE. Maxillary advancement movements (MAI and MAE) showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher alar base widening than maxillary setback movement (MSI). However, no significant (P > 0.05) difference was observed between maxillary intrusion (MAI and MSI) and maxillary extrusion (MAE) movements. Conclusions This study shows that the nasal width varies distinctly depending on the type of Le Fort I maxillary surgical movement.